Description
Book SynopsisReveals how receptive Germans were to the notion of a millennial Reich such as that offered by Hitler
Trade ReviewDavid Redles has tackled one of the most sensitive subjects in millennial studiesthe Nazis. He has done an extraordinarily careful and brilliant analysis of the archival material to reveal Hitler's messianic charisma, his appeal both on the ideological and psychological level, illustrating that if you can convince people that they live in apocalyptic times and you have the key to their collective salvation, you can get them to do anything. Given that we live in times that lend themselves to such interpretations, we had best understand the apocalyptic dynamics of reactionary modernism. -- Richard Landes,Director, Center for Millennial Studies, Department of History, Boston University
The apocalyptic dimension of Hitler and his exterminatory project has often been noted but never developed with the completeness and sophistication of David Redles. This brilliant book will enlighten, surprise, and awaken. It is a story, unfortunately, of continuing relevance for the contemporary world as it grapples with the new terrorism. -- Charles B. Strozier,author of Apocalypse: On the Psychology of Fundamentalism in America
Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Nazism, Myth, and Meaning 1 A World Turned Upside Down: Weimar Chaos and the Culture of Apocalypse 2 The Turning Point: Racial Apocalypse or Racial Salvation 3 Seeing the Light: The Nazi Conversion Experience 4 Hitler as Messiah 5 The Messiah Legitimated: Linking the Leader and the Led6 Final Empire, Final War, Final Solution Appendix: The Hitler Gospels and Old Guard Testimonials: Reconstructing a Mythical World Notes IndexAbout the Author
