Göring: A Biography
By David Irving | First published 1989 | Hardcover edition
Historical Significance
Hermann Göring served as Reich Marshal, Commander of the Luftwaffe, and Hitler’s designated successor until 1945. This biography, first published in 1989, draws upon archival sources including Göring’s personal papers, Luftwaffe records, and documentation from the Nuremberg trial proceedings.
Scope and Content
The study traces Göring from his First World War fighter ace career through his political rise, his command of the German air force, his role in the Four-Year Plan economic administration, and his trial and death at Nuremberg. The work examines both his military and political functions within the Reich hierarchy.
Archival Foundation
Irving conducted research in German federal archives, British intelligence records, and American repositories holding captured German documents. The Göring family provided access to private papers, and surviving Luftwaffe officers contributed interviews and documentation.
For Researchers and Collectors
Essential for Luftwaffe historians, Third Reich scholars, and researchers studying the Reich leadership structure. Comprehensive documentation supports advanced academic use.
Edition Details
Hardcover binding with photographic plates. Archival-quality paper stock. Designed for institutional and private collection durability.
About This Edition
Limited modern collector printing from Focal Point Publications. Complete scholarly apparatus preserved.
Related Works from Irving Books
- The Rise and Fall of the Luftwaffe — Milch biography and air force history
- Hitler’s War — Supreme command context
- Nuremberg: The Last Battle — The trial proceedings
Dan L. –
Reading this book, one wonders what would have happened if someone other than Göring, a drug addict, slacker, looter and idiot, commanded the Luftwaffe?
Irving's well researched book traces Goring's life from his childhood in Bavaria through his education at a military academy where he first fell in love with smartly trimmed uniforms, through his experience as a Fighter Pilot in W.W.I, then through his early connection with Hitler and what Hitler stood for in the years of humiliation and finally, to the years of power as Hitler's second in command.
Irving leaves no doubt that Goring was a monster, a monster who had no second thoughts about engineering the deaths of countless numbers of innocent people. He found it aesthetically unpleasing, however, to actually witness any of these "unpleasantries."
Goring was a coward who pretended to be brave and heroic. He was a morphine addict because he couldn't tolerate pain, but had no qualms about inflicting pain on others. He was honest to no one, not to himself, not to his fellow officers, and certainly not to Hitler. A great percentage of his energy during the war years went to fabricating alibis and hiding from Hitler so he wouldn't have to admit to his responsibility for many great failures, particularly where the Luftwaffe was concerned.
All in all, a gem of a book and as usual, in Irving's meticulously high standards. Read it together with Irving's biography of Milch, and you get a feel of the real Luftwaffe.
jribble33@aol.com –
Excellent Book! Very well written and one of my favorite all time books. Mr. Irving is a national treasure a true historian.
Stig-Ove Madetoja –
Found this one translated into swedish from the local library. I remember how well Görings influence and also negative traits and many details of his personal life was so well written about.
To this date every single book by David Irving i read has been a treasure trove of historical data. Hopefully i will be able to collect them all.