Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945 (2025 paperback)

Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945 tells the Real History of the dramatic flight which Adolf Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess made in 1941 to Scotland in an attempt to stop the war before the saturation bombing holocaust began. Intercepted before he could reach His Majesty the King, Hess vanished into the maw of the Secret Service and was held Churchill’s personal prisoner.

British files relate how experts used truth drugs and hidden microphones to try to prise the secrets out of him. Taken to Nuremberg in 1945, Hess outwitted - and eventually outlived - his tormentors. Hess died in 1987 after spending 46 years in prison. Irving argues for an alternative reading of the official account. 433 pages.

• Unprecedented Access: Irving’s narrative is bolstered by access to classified documents, revealing the depth of Hess’s conviction and the complexities of his imprisonment.
• Critical Insights: Through analysing previously undisclosed intelligence and medical files, Irving challenges the official narrative, offering alternative perspectives on Hess’s motivations and the Allied powers' response.
• Compelling Narration: Irving combines the rigour of historical research with the flair of a master storyteller, presenting a narrative that captivates history buffs and general readers alike.
• Rich Imagery: Accompanied by unpublished colour photographs, the book provides a visceral glimpse into the era, enhancing the reader's engagement with the historical narrative.

Reader response: Readers have discussed Hess: The Missing Years 1941-1945 for its alternative reading of Hess’s mission, imprisonment, and the Allied response.