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Summary: From Goebbels to Hasselbach: The Attractions of the Gau
Review: As Ingo Hasselbach notes, he was the first Gauleiter of Berlin since Joseph Goebbels, which at one time, was for him pretty heady stuff. And that tells you a good deal about charismatic movements, of which Hasselbach was once a rising star. As he points out, it wasn't about National Socialist ideology, in fact, very few of his cohorts knew much about Jews! No, it was groupthink, group membership, and drinking koolaid like Jim Jones' followers in Jonestown. Probably as strikingly handsome in his generation as Heydrich was in his, Herr Hasselbach had a particular world at his feet, and somehow he made the moves to change directions, rather abruptly.
Having seen him also interviewed by David Gergen, I have little doubt he is genuine. However, an autobiography such as this leaves one with many unanswered, perhaps unanswerable questions....since he was in the Neo-N movement when Germany was reunited, I would have liked to have seen more on this turbulent time. What the autobiography lacks, like most of this type (including certain ex-Presidents) is an overall perspective.
However, if you want some insight into foot-soldierdom into cult-like movements, this is a very readable, and recommended, introduction into a shady world. It isn't overintellectualized, and I liked that feature best.
Rating: 
Summary: Based on some, it's pretty good
Review: Based on some other books I've read regarding the Neo-Nazi movement in modern day Germany, this one is pretty good. I have read some very in-depth books, including some not allowed to be published in Germany (too controversial). However, this books info stops in the early '90's, when the book was published. Though it accurate to its time, it is not very up-to-date regarding the present turmoil, and Neo-Nazi movement in Germany. The movement has advanced dramatically since this book was published. This book is very good in terms of the personal testimony of the former "Ex-Fuhrer", yet not very accurate of up-to-date activities and views held by the members of this movement.
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Summary: Good Introduction to German Skinhead scene in English
Review: Ok, here goes.
This book is the only one by Ingo Hasselbach that has been translated into English. It is essentially an updated/revised version of his German language book "Die Abrechnung" which I read in the late 1990's while still active in the East German Skinhead scene as a resident of the State of Brandenburg and active member of the NPD.Hasselbachs necessarily sanitized "introduction" to one facet of the East German Skinhead Scene is commendable and the details of many events/activities are accurately described despite his attempts to minimalize his role in much of it. I never met Hasselbach personally nor was I ever active in any of the specific organizations that he led or supported. My firsthand experience in the scene however allows me to confirm that this book (english version) accurately recreates a "generic" picture of what the movement was like during those "early" years following the fall of the Wall. My only complaint with the book is the lack of space devoted to describing the plentiful NON-violent moments and acts of true brotherhood and compassion shown amongst Kameraden. There are two sides to every story and this one seems to focus on Hasselbachs relative innocence, the structure and internal workings of his movement and descriptions of their evil deeds. Many were and are mere thugs and common criminals but many are also intelligent and sincerely committed individuals who may share a common ideology but refrain from acts of violence and hatred. This book is an excellent description of Hasselbachs specific experience but does not necessarily reflect the entire East German Skinhead experience which even to this day varies greatly from region to region and city to city. It blurs the often very distinct lines between nationalism and neo-nazism but is a must read for anyone interested in this topic
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Summary: Good Introduction to German Skinhead scene in English
Review: The book was interesting and informative about the author's involvement in the neo-nazi movement, but there was a certain spark missing from the work. Unlike "The Autobiography of Malcom X", for example, which also deals with an individual leaving and extremist group, Hasselbach never makes us *feel* why he ever belonged to such a group to begin with. It is written in a journalistic style, rather than personal one and I never felt like Hasselbach was truly letting his guard down. Still, it has some scary moments and it does give some insight into the life of a very frightening group of people.
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Summary: Frighteningly True.
Review: This is one of the better books that delves into the lives of real neo-nazis. The author takes you on a ride through his life growing up as a racist and it's hard to believe some of the things he has done. He also had the courage to change. While I don't condone these actions, this is a great book for anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Frighteningly True.
Review: This is one of the better books that delves into the lives of real neo-nazis. The author takes you on a ride through his life growing up as a racist and it's hard to believe some of the things he has done. He also had the courage to change. While I don't condone these actions, this is a great book for anyone.
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