Third Reich: A Short & Straightforward History of the Third Reich (The History and Legacy of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler) (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781998769223)

At the beginning of 1941, it was unclear whether the Allies would be able to remain in the war for much longer. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had already immortalized the men of the Royal Air Force with one of the West's most famous war-time quotes, but the potential of a German invasion of Britain still loomed. With the comfort of hindsight, historians now suggest that the picture was actually more complex than that, but the Battle of Britain, fought throughout the summer and early autumn of 1940 and was unquestionably epic in scope.

Much has been written about daily life during World War II from the perspective of the Allied nations, but little about life in Germany during the Third Reich. With the benefit of hindsight, questions have been raised as to why a civilized, cultured nation stood by and let the Nazi Party impose their rule in such inhumane fashion, and why so few individuals made any attempt to rebel.

More akin to a nice easy chat over a cup of tea rather than a heavy historical text the story flows naturally, albeit without mountains of minutiae. This Layman's Guide provides enough detail to gain a good grounding of knowledge and understanding, without the reader becoming overwhelmed in detail and complexity.