Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives Paperback | Pages: 1152 pages

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Original Title:	Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives
ISBN:	0679729941 (ISBN13: 9780679729945)
Edition Language:	English
Characters:	Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler
Literary Awards:	Wolfson History Prize (1992)

Narrative In Pursuance Of Books Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives

I used to teach Alan Bullock's "Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives" in courses about totalitarianism. Contrary to many other college textbooks, which tend to date rather quickly, this history book seems timeless. Bullock offers a monumental social biography of two of the most evil dictators in human history as well as an epic sketch of an era. Although the author specializes in Hitler, his grasp of Stalin is equally impressive. It rivals, in fact, Robert Conquest's "The Great Terror" in its thoroughness and depth. As the title suggests, Bullock alternates chapters on Hitler with those on Stalin. He reveals how each dictator relied on his powers of manipulation, deception and opportunism to rise to power and spread totalitarian regimes meant to wipe out the human spirit and large parts of humanity itself across the world. The book also explains how Hitler and Stalin initially operated within the systems which they later (mis)used for their own selfish and nefarious goals. Whatever their rhetoric and ideology, both sociopathic tyrants ultimately craved power for its own sake, at the expense of everyone else, even the causes (and allies) they initially claimed to support. Bullock's "Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives" gives us a detailed, compelling and extremely informative portrait of the faces of evil. It is an indispensable book for all those who want to understand how totalitarian regimes function and the role sociopathic dictators play in changing the course of history. As luck would have it, sociopaths are too self-serving and power-hungry to form lasting alliances. Had Hitler and Stalin not turned on each other, totalitarianism might have triumphed across the globe. As Winston Churchill famously stated in a speech after the German invasion of the Soviet Union: "If Hitler invaded Hell I would make at least a favorable reference to the devil in the House of Commons." Claudia Moscovici, Notablewriters.com

List Regarding Books Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives

Title	:	Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives
Author	:	Alan Bullock
Book Format	:	Paperback
Book Edition	:	Special Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 1152 pages
Published	:	November 2nd 1993 by Vintage (first published 1991)
Categories	:	History. Biography. Nonfiction. Cultural. Russia. Germany. Politics. War. World War II

Rating Regarding Books Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives

Ratings: 4.15 From 2367 Users | 65 Reviews

Critique Regarding Books Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives

This book made a positive impression when it appeared in 1991. Alan Bullocks distinguished academic career had been preceded by the publication of his biography of Hitler, Hitler: A Study in Tyranny which was acclaimed from its publication in 1951 as one of the finest explanations of Hitler. Beginning in the 1970s, Bullock became increasingly fascinated by the comparisons between the Nazi and Soviet empires - the irony of the theoretically opposed ideology but often startlingly similar methods,

I picked this up for 2 quid at a second hand shop, not expecting much more than a popular distillation of works I've already read (Kershaw, Evans, Service, etc.). I also didn't expect the comparison approach to work well. But I was wrong. While Bullock doesn't bring to light new facts as such, his storytelling and organisation is compelling and the comparison works. He never falls for psychohistory, although takes the views seriously and while it is mostly top-down history, acknowledges

I used to teach Alan Bullock's "Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives" in courses about totalitarianism. Contrary to many other college textbooks, which tend to date rather quickly, this history book seems timeless. Bullock offers a monumental social biography of two of the most evil dictators in human history as well as an epic sketch of an era. Although the author specializes in Hitler, his grasp of Stalin is equally impressive. It rivals, in fact, Robert Conquest's "The Great Terror" in its

An actual mind blowing.

Brilliant. The longest book I've ever read! I have learnt so much about Stalin and the rise and continuation of communism. It was also a great way to learn about Stalin - in comparison with Hitler. Actually I learnt a lot about Hitler too! The author was right - religious fundamentalism had taken over as the biggest threat to the world after the Cold War ended. Would be great to read an updated version, there must be additional info around now 20 years after this was published.

Excellent book on WWII

On January 30, 1933, German president Von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler to be the Chancellor of Germany. In November 1933, Hitler said, "I did not become Chancellor in order to act otherwise than I have preached for fourteen long years." IMHO, it is necessary to note that unfortunately and to the shame of German people, Hitler came to power through the democratic election process on 07/31/1932 via popular support.Below is the extract from Wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_fede...