Written by William L. Shirer [more]
Preface: I first read this book 25 years ago and after skimming it recently, I'm tempted to invest the time again. In our media drenched age, it is refreshing to see reporting as it was with Shirer, well researched and accurate while still stocking every chapter with hard lessons and learning for us all.
A favorite quote:
"The 'Thousand Year Reich' as it was known lasted twelve years and four months but in that flicker of time caused an eruption on this earth more violent and shattering than any previously experienced."
http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Fall-Third-Reich-History