Ein anderer Hitler

Prof. Hermann Giesler was Adolf Hitler's personal architect. Commissioned, among other things, with the redesign of Munich and Linz, the author reports on Hitler's construction plans and ideas, which were linked to the defining architectural traditions of the West. At the same time, Giesler points out the technological advancements and architectural foresight that developed in the 1930s and 40s. In these, the contemporary issues of individual and mass transportation, the question of public space, and crucial problems such as energy and heating seemed to have been largely resolved. Entrusted with the planning and design of Hitler's retirement residence and burial site, Giesler had the special trust of the Reich Chancellor. The frequent conversations during the years 1942–45 revolved not only around construction issues but also included politics and warfare. The author thus provides deep insights into areas of life at that time that must have remained closed off to most contemporaries. With this knowledge, Giesler can counter certain distortions and misinterpretations of contemporary historical writing. Therefore, this book is not only a standard work on urban planning and architecture of the Third Reich but also an indispensable source for understanding Adolf Hitler, his decisions, and objectives.