The Nazi Mind

Twelve Warnings from History

By: Laurence Rees

Narrated by: John Sackville

From an award-winning historian comes a fresh analysis of the rise of Nazi extremism, how such thinking gained popularity, and why it is vital to fight burgeoning extremist movements today

How could the SS have committed the crimes they did? How were the killers who shot Jews at close quarters able to perpetrate this horror? Why did commandants of concentration and death camps willingly—often enthusiastically—oversee mass murder? How could ordinary Germans have tolerated the removal of the Jews?

In The Nazi Mind, bestselling historian Laurence Rees seeks answers to some of the most perplexing questions surrounding the Second World War and the Holocaust. Ultimately, he delves into the darkness to explain how and why these people were capable of committing the worst crime in the history of the world.

From the fringe politics of the 1920s, to the electoral triumph and mass mobilization of the 1930s, through to the Holocaust and the regime’s eventual demise, Rees charts the rise and fall of Nazi mentalities—including the conditions that allowed such a violent ideology to flourish and the sophisticated propaganda effort that sustained it.

Using previously unpublished testimony from former Nazis and those who grew up in the Nazi system and in-depth insights based on the latest research of psychologists, The Nazi Mind brings fresh understanding to one of the most appalling regimes in history.

Critic reviews

"Why were individuals, often from cultured and well-educated backgrounds, prepared to commit mass atrocities, culminating in genocide? That is the central issue that Laurence Rees tackles. He asks good questions and has good answers. This disturbing book is timely, relevant and important."—Professor Sir Ian Kershaw, author of Hitler: Hubris and Hitler: Nemesis

Very interesting, explains a lot

This really dives into the thinking behind it and how it spread and was adopted and justified across large groups. A really interesting read with new things. I’ve read a ton of books on this topic and this had new things.

Average men are capable of anything

Great work detailing the people behind the Third Reich, recommended reading for anyone interested in Germany during this time

Disturbing parallels to current events.

A timely and enduring historic perspective that arrives like a crystal ball. Worth the listen and the lessons.

An Excellent book

Everyone who is interested about the Nazi regime and how these horrible atrocities and millions of deaths happened during this period and how the Germans was controlled by the Nazi Government by different soft power like cinema and hard power like security forces should read this book,The Nazis wasn't stupid At all, they were very intelligent and and highly educated, but how did they behave like savages, everyone who wants to know the answer should read this book.

Brilliant

This reads like it was the handbook for project 2025 Steven Miller is the vile incarnation of Josef Goebles. This is a mystery read for anyone who wants to read the preview to our current events.