The Reception of William L. Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in the United States and West Germany, 1960-62

Abstract

In the vast historiographical literature on the nazi period, few works have achieved as enduring a reputation or attained as unique a commercial success as William L. Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. First published in October 1960, Shirer's epic history of the nazi dictatorship has, over the years, acquired a status unparalleled by any prior or subsequent historical work on the subject. In the thirty years since the book's initial appearance, it has sold millions of copies in the United States and millions more worldwide.' Still in print today, Shirer's work has been translated into numerous European and non-European languages and published in several special editions.2 It has even been made into a documentary film and recorded as a dramatic cantata.3 Undoubtedly the bestknown book ever published on the nazi era, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich has become more than just another work of history. A singular literary institution, it has acquired a reputation as 'the bestselling historical work ever written in modern times'.4 Certainly the most popular study ever published on the nazi period, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich was arguably the most controversial as well. Although widely acclaimed in the United States and in various European countries, Shirer's work was bitterly attacked in West Germany. Indeed, the contrast between the initial American and West German reactions to the book could not be more striking. In the US in 1960, it was an undisputed sensation, dominating the bestseller list for over a year, setting publishing records and reaping numerous honours and awards. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich coupled impressive sales with significant critical acclaim. While some dissenting voices were heard, the praise