In 1922; just four years after the war to end all wars; an unknown Austrian then living in Bavaria planned a pamphlet to be called Settling Accounts. In it he intended to attack the ineffectiveness of the dominant political parties in Germany which were opposed to the new National Socialists (Nazis). In November 1923; Adolf Hitler was jailed for the abortive Munich Beer Hall putsch along with men willing and able to assist him with his writing. With the help of these collaborators; chief among them Rudolf Hess; the pamphlet became a book. Settling Accounts became Mein Kampf; an unparalleled example of muddled economics and history; appalling bigotry; and an intense self-glorification of Adolf Hitler as the true founder and builder of the National Socialist movement. It was written in hate and it contained a blueprint for violent bloodshed. When Mein Kampf was published in 1925; it was a failure. In 1926 a second volume appeared - it was no more successful than the first. People either laughed at it or ignored it. They were wrong to do so. As Hitler's power increased; pressure was put on all party members to buy the book. Gradually this pressure was extended to all elements of the German population. Soon Mein Kampf was even being passed out to newlywed couples as a gift. Ironically; and frighteningly; by the time Hitler came to power on January 30; 1933; what has been considered by many to be the most satanic book ever written was running neck and neck with the Bible at the top of the German bestseller lists. In his excellent introduction to this definitive American translation of Mein Kampf; Konrad Heiden writes: "For years Mein Kampf stood as proof of the blindness and complacency of the world. For in its pages Hitler announced -- long before he came to power -- a program of blood and terror in a self-revelation of such overwhelming frankness that few among its readers had the courage to believe it ... That such a man could go so far toward realizing his ambitions; and -- above all -- could find millions of willing tools and helpers; that is a phenomenon the world will ponder for centuries to come." We would be wrong in thinking that such a program; such a man; and such appalling consequences could not reappear in our world of the present. We cannot permit our selves the luxury of forgetting the tragedy of World War II or the man who; more than any other; fostered it. Mein Kampf must be read and constantly remembered as a specimen of evil demagoguery that people whenever men grow tired of thinking and acting for themselves. Mein Kampf is a blueprint for the age of chaos. It transcends in historical importance any other book of the present generation. In his translation Ralph Manheim has taken particular care to give an exact English equivalent of Hitler's highly individual; and often awkward style; including his occasional grammatical errors. We believe this book should stand as the complete; final; and definitive English version of Hitler's own story of his life; his political philosophy; and his thwarted plans for world domination. Translated by Ralph Manheim with an introduction by Konrad Heiden. A compilation of Hitler's most famous prison writings of 1923--the bible of National Socialism and the blueprint for the Third Reich.
#634154 in Books 2016-03-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.39 x 1.16 x 8.74l; .0 #File Name: 1630761397344 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating and Engrossing Read!By KennethI just finished reading "Stars in the Ring;" and I am totally impressed with this book. It is both a thoughtful historical depiction of a unique period in American history and a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of these boxers. Mike Silver is a great storyteller. He brings the Jewish boxers who fought during the first four decades of the 20th century to life again. He sets their achievements into the larger historical context of their time. The book is enhanced by fascinating sidebars; colorful anecdotes and numerous "top ten" lists. I found the book to be so engaging that I had trouble putting it down once I started reading. Aside from the superb writing; the 250 plus photos are worth the price of the book. This engrossing book is a worthy complement to Silver's other book; "The Arc of Boxing: the Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science." If you have any interest in learning about a fascinating and forgotten aspect of Jewish immigrant history; this book is for you.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Mike Silver scores a knockout!By AsilMike Silver leaves no stone unturned as he relates the history with all its glamor; hardships and glory of these gallant warriors fighting under the six-pointed Star of David; beginning with the reign of Daniel Mendoza; the pride of England's bare-knuckle fighters at a time when George Washington was organizing thirteen colonies into the United States of America until today's small band of still prominent Jewish warriors. It may have been a labor of love for Mike Silver but it is a treasured treat for all who read it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JLMFine
