G. S. Graber (1928–2000)

The Life and Times of Reinhard Heydrich - G S Graber ****

Most people are aware of the role Hitler and Himmler played in the Second World, but other top Nazi leaders seem to get a little glossed over. I have always wondered what kind of life Heydrich led before becoming known as ‘The Butcher of Prague’.
Graber follows Heydrich from his birth in the city of Halle-Whittingberg to his death by assassination in Prague and the reprisals ordered by Hitler. We are told of his parent’s background and how a number of career setbacks and seemingly blatant luck allowed circumstances to fuel a meteoric rise to power.

Written in 1980 the book has probably aged over the last few decades and at times it felt a little too much like a school textbook and although obviously very well researched it tended to be a little dry. I suppose the main disappointing aspect was that after finishing the book I never really felt that Heydrich was all that of a menacing a figure, and maybe History judged him a little harshly. Although this definitely isn’t the case, the book does tend to focus on his career progression rather than the actual atrocities committed. There are certainly other books out there than go into a far greater depth, but at just under 250 pages this is an ideal starter point for the reader who wants to know a little about a lot.… (altro)