Evans wrote a three-volume history of Hitler’s rise, reign and fall and in this new book he profiles a selection of the main villains associated with the Third Reich, providing biography and commentary on 20 Germans tangentially involved. A lot here is well-trod ground with the ruthless pre-war Hitler shown as a diminished figure after 1939 as the war progresses and he fades from public view (although his deleterious impact is omnipresent). Evans groups the individuals by their relation to Hitler and to the Third Reich. In addition to the Leader (Hitler) subjects are categorized into groups -- enabling Paladins, evil Enforcers and witting and unwitting Instruments. Evans’ depth of knowledge shines in the vivid and insightful commentary at the beginning of these sections. A few common denominators are the resentment of the German loss in World War I, the appeal of a strong leader, reaction to the dismal economics of the Great depression and antisemitism. Evans does not dwell on current affairs, but the parallels are obvious. This is a sobering read – few of the people included show contrition.
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