Secret Germany : [Stauffenberg and the mystical crusade against Hitler]

By July of 1944, the Third Reich's days were numbered. Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a general staff insider with open eyes (and access to the Führer), was convinced that assassinating Hitler was the only way to prevent the destruction of the Fatherland and the deaths of millions. On July 20, he hid a bomb-stuffed briefcase at a high-level meeting. The explosion tore through the room, but a table leg spared Hitler from the blast. The result was a witch hunt, a wave of executions, and a further pointless year of war. Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh deliver an exhilarating and definitive portrait of the anti-Nazi movement (called "Secret Germany") that almost killed Hitler. Secret Germany is the story of "World War II's boldest plot-that-failed" (Time), a coup that was a moral and spiritual necessity.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member K461R

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It gives a good portrait of the fascinating man Stauffenberg as well as, and I didn't expect this, a good overview of German literature and culture with good parts on Goethe, Stefan George etc. The authors seem to be well read and I really appreciated the

parts where they discuss the struggle between rational and irrational in German culture. In total, the book gives you some insights into the enigmatic Stauffenberg as well as a interesting discussion on what the true meaning of courage, honor and moral. After reading it I felt refreshed and high in spirits. Highly recommended as an introduction to Stauffenberg's life and ideas.

Show Less

1 more

LibraryThing member MiaCulpa

Like many German soldiers during WWII, Claus von Stauffenberg was not a Nazi and hated those who were. Unlike many of these soldiers, Stauffenberg played a key role in the (spoiler) unsuccessful 1944 Hitler assassination plot.

That Stauffenberg and his co-plotters were brave is not in doubt.

Perhaps what was somewhat in doubt was their links to mystical Germanic beliefs, although the authors aren’t want for trying to make the link. Overall, a well-written book that leaves much to ponder.

Show Less

Fewer