The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany
William L. Shirer
📚 Genre
History - Modern European History - World War II
🏢 Publisher
Simon and Schuster
📅 Publication Year
1960
🔢 ISBN
Not applicable for this 1960 edition (ISBNs were introduced later; Library of Congress Card Catalog Number: 60-14292)
About This Book
A comprehensive historical chronicle of Nazi Germany from its inception following World War I, through the rise of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party, the events of World War II, and concluding with the total collapse and unconditional surrender of Germany in 1945. The title page displays clear black serif typography, characteristic of mid-century Simon and Schuster publications.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
1245
Edition
First Edition, First Printing (implied by 1960 publication date and matching copyright page indicators)
Series
Standalone historical non-fiction work
Target Audience
Adult / General Audience / Academic
Collector Information
Condition
Good condition visible on the title page. The paper shows normal age toning (yellowing), with clean type and no visible tears or heavy markings.
Estimated Value
$25-$75 (Value heavily depends on the presence and condition of the original dust jacket, which is not shown)
Rarity
Common. While it is a first edition, Simon and Schuster printed very large initial press runs due to immediate massive commercial success and Book-of-the-Month Club distribution.
Historical Significance
Widely regarded as a monumental and definitive early work of historical non-fiction regarding Nazi Germany. It won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1961 and remains a foundational text for understanding the mechanics of totalitarianism and the Holocaust.
Collector Notes
For maximum collectibility, verify the presence of the original unclipped dust jacket featuring the red and black design. Ensure the copyright page states 'First Printing' or lacks subsequent printing statements. Store upright in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further paper degradation and acid migration.
Similar Books
The Gathering Storm by Winston Churchill, The Second World War by Antony Beevor, Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer, The Third Reich Trilogy by Richard J. Evans
Notable Features
First Edition imprint showing 1960 publication year with no subsequent printing notices on the copyright page verso, matching the first printing criteria.