by Melissa Muller (Editor), Melissa Muller (Editor), Traudl Junge (Author)
'To have such an uncomplicated, unaffected witness present at some of the key defining moments of the 20th century was fortunate for historians. Frau Junge's book has sold 100,000 copies in Germany and it is easy to see why: her testimony rings absolutely true, when other politically motivated accounts of the last days of Hitler do not' Andrew Roberts, Evening Standard Traudl Junge was 22 years old and dreamt of a career as a ballerina, until the 'opportunity of her life' beckoned and she was appointed as Adolf Hitler's secretary. From 1942 until his death she was at his side in the bunker, typing his correspondence, his speeches and even his last private and political will and testament. It was only after the war that the horrible reality of Hitler's regime began to dawn on her, and she became racked with guilt for 'liking the greatest criminal ever to have lived.' Her journal, written in 1947, is a startling eyewitness account of Hitler's court during its final years, and of the building sense of doom as the war progressed.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 280
Edition: New Ed
Publisher: Phoenix
Published: 14 Jun 2004
ISBN 10: 0753817926
ISBN 13: 9780753817926
Book Overview: Like Defying Hitler, which sold over 50,000 in mmpb this is a powerful memoir that sheds important light on a key moment in history German bestseller with 100,000 copies in print.Revelatory new material about the character and habits of Adolf Hitler. 'Junge observed and participated in the daily rituals of life with the 20th century's most celebrated monster...some of the most compelling stuff here concerns her unresolved, life-long battle with her own guilt' Jenny Hjui, Scotsman 'A remarkable historical document...a painful reminder of how it is possible for a person - or even an entire nation - to sleepwalk slowly into sin. You put the book down and your skin prickles with the knowledge that out in the world, there will always be invisible lines to be crossed' Rachel Cooke, Observer 'Traudl Junge's memoir is a very unusual and useful addition to the canon of literature that seeks to explain Hitler. Junge was at her Fuhrer's side for three years as his trusted secretary, and her fluent account sheds light on what it was like to be a believer in his power' Elena Lappin, Daily Telegraph