The Hitler Myths: Exposing the Truth Behind the Stories About the Führer

Sjoerd J. de Boer

May 2022 · Frontline Books

About this ebook

Adolf Hitler remains one of the most discussed figures in world history. Every year, an untold number of articles and books are published, and television programs and internet pages are produced, by respected historians through to amateur conspiracy theorists. One of the consequences of this continuous flow of stories is that, over time, increasing numbers of falsehoods and fabrications have emerged about Hitler. Many of these have subsequently gained credence by virtue of their constant repetition – however bizarre they may be. These include such claims that Hitler was impotent (contradicted by another myth that he had an illegitimate son), that he had Jewish ancestors, or that he had killed his niece. Another claim, one of the most persistent, is that he did not commit suicide but escaped Berlin to live in Argentina for years after the war, despite his well-recorded failing health. What is the truth about his corpse, his sexual experiences, his years of poverty, his complete dominance of his subordinates? How much of what we think we know is the result of intentional or misunderstood modern interpretations? Many rumours also circulated during Hitler’s life and, with the passage of time, have been presented as facts despite having no substantial foundation. Was Hitler really a hero of the First World War and, if so, why was he not promoted beyond the rank of corporal? Was he the true author of Mein Kampf and did he write a second book that was never published, and was Hitler initially a socialist? In The Hitler Myths the author clinically dissects many of these myths, often in a highly amusing fashion, as he exposes the inaccuracies and impossibilities of the stories. The myths – the familiar and the obscure – are discussed chronologically, following the course of Hitler’s life. In his analysis of each of the myths, the author draws on an array of sources to prove or disprove the rumours and speculations – once and for all!

About the author

SJOERD J. DE BOER is a Dutch historian and author of books on Adolf Hitler and the Second World War. For his publications and website, he regularly visits historical sites across Europe relating to Hitler and the Third Reich era. As well as specializing in the Nazi history of Munich, Berlin and the Obersalzberg, Sjoerd has also concentrated on Hitler’s service in Belgium and northern France during the First World War. He is the founder of the English-language website www.hitlerpages.com.