Rating: 
Summary: A Huge Undertaking, But Worth It!
Review: This is a masterpiece, hands down. It took me a few months to read it, but I wanted to take my time to get something out of reading a book of this length and breadth. It was worth the effort. This is the best overall account yet that I have read about the Third Reich - it's a must have for any serious World War II buff of the European Theater. If you are really intent on learning a great deal from reading the book, take notes, especially of all the names and abbreviations; it can be a bit hard to follow at times. A true masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Among the all-time Third Reich Histories.
Review: I first read this in the 9th grade, a long time ago,and have checked into it often since then. Looking back,the history of Hitler's ideas are clearly explained,and anti-semitism in Europe had a long,sordid history way before anyone had heard of Hitler. His rise to power,ideas,and plans are shown to have been clear very early on with MEIN KAMPF, a book not read or taken seriously by enough people. I thought the blackmailing of Generals Blomberg and Fritsch in 1937 was a highlight,since that episode has often been overlooked elsewhere. The planning for the attack on Poland (9/1/39) is well done,as is the British and French response. The actions of the "Supreme Warlord" throughout the war are so well described that it's easy now (without looking at the book)to remember Mr. Shirer's account.And the horrors of the death camps are made as clear as can be. My only perhaps negative remembrance,after having read many volumes on this subject, seems to be that Mr. Shirer did not adequately explain the appeal of this ex-corporal on a great,modern nation. He does not really explain the complexity of the Fuehrer, a many faceted individual, not just the carpet-eating, raving, single-testicled person of myth. No one gets to such a position in the world,starting out from nowhere, without a dynamic side. In short, it seems Hitler's personal magnetism,even charm,his photographic memory, his seeming amazing ability to make the right decisions, even after looking into the abyss, made him a fascinating figure for many,who followed him to the bitter end. It seems that Mr. Shirer only paints the monster and not the whole man, and perhaps that does not really explain all the horrors that rest on the shoulders of this person and his lieutenants,and followers.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST!
Review: Yes it is huge but if you are interested at all in the Nazi era then you must read this book. It covers everything... what I was most impressed by was Professor Shirer's coverage of Post WWI Germany under the Weimar Republic. Simply astounding. This book reminds all of its readers why history is so important. Just get the book.
Rating:
Summary: extremely enjoyable reading
Review: "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" is definitely the most enjoyable book ever written about World War II. One other reviewer compared the book to listening to light classical music. It is extremely well written.
From a strictly historical point of view the book is not flawless. In fact a professional historian may find it almost useless. It was written soon after the war when many of the facts were still not known (it would take another 40 years before many of them would surface). But then again the book was never meant for professionals. Shirer is a journalist and he wrote his book for the mass audience.
The book may not be useful to those who are doing extensive research on World War II (some reviewers justifiably call it shallow) but it is a mandatory reading for all casual readers who want to familiarize themselves with the most tragic event of the 20th century. Despite all the factual flows, I give it 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor, Biased account of History
Review: This book serves as an unreliable source, and was obviously written by a journalist, not a historian. Reading this book, one can tell it was "slapped" together in order to generate a profit. Surely, most of the references and notes in the book were not fully reviewed in archival format. This book glorifies Hitler's rise to power as a "fly by night" phenomenon, and insists that German nature is to blame for the rise of the NSDAP (Nazis). It forces upon you, the idea that all Germans are bad natured. For a better account, and more comprehensive account of this period, I reccomend "Nazi Germany," by Klaus Fischer. Fischer's book is well document, and very accurate. Fischer gives a comprehensive review of all the social and economic reasons that contributed to the rise of this politial monster. Fischer's work is also derived from some of the best writings and archival research.
Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Third Reich Text
Review: For anyone interested in the history of the Nazi regime this is the book to read. Its mammoth size is a little daunting but it is highly readable. Shirer gives you all the facts without being heavy handed or boring. He also provides a relatively unique view of the inner workings of the regime being an American working inside and around Nazi Germany. One can tell that the experience affected him deeply which gives his prose a more genuine feel but never clouds his vision. A great place to learn about this horrible institution.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read For All
Review: I wish this book was available to me when I was in High School. For students in school, such as my daughter who is now in the 6th grade, WWII is waxed over. They seem to get the Cliff's Notes version of what happened. They have numbers, dates, and statistics thrown at them, with little substance behind it. However, this tends to raise more questions than it answers. I first read this book while in the Army back in 1987 while stationed in Nuernberg Germany. It was a long read, but one definitely worth the time. Most books on the subject focus on the horror of the Third Reich and the Holocaust. They cater to the "what", but too seldom tend to the "how" and "why", which were two of the biggest questions in my mind. William L. Shirer. His work sets the stage for what is to come, gets inside the machinations that took place, economic hardships, the total desparation of the Germanic people. A people who were at a point where they would take heed to the words whispered into their ears, and unfortunately, Adolf Hitler told them what they wanted to hear. Since '87, I have read this book another three times, learning more each time I pick it up. I agree wholeheartedly with General Eisenhower about those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. The more information we have about the "how" and "why" can help us prevent such horrors in the future.
Rating:
Summary: comprehensive description of history
Review: Its a must read for the one who is keen to learn the memoirs of world war-II. The brutality of the reign of ADOLF HITLER is vividly described. The strategies of NAZIS, their personal agendas are all well described.
Rating:
Summary: A book for all seasons
Review: This is not only a book about facts and history, but also one about conscience and morality. Granted, much has been scrutinized about the Third Reich in multiple media, whether in films, documentaries, dossiers, first hand material or novels. Yet, Mr. Shirer remains, after 40 years, one of the top authorities on what took place in Germany between 1933 and 1945. This work has become a default must-read for 20th century history scholars, high school European history students and novice World War II snoops. If it may lack in articulateness and style, it compensates in its breadth and balance of facts. A "fait accompli" for any research-obsessed historian.
Rating:
Summary: THE Definitive Historical Work of the Twentieth Century
Review: Shirer's monumental study of the rise of Hitler's Third Reich is a historical classic that will surely be admired for centuries to come. From the serious student of history to the casual nonfiction reader, this book should be read by all. As a literary work, Shirer's writing rivals Gibbon's classical study of the Roman Empire. As a historical masterpiece, it is without comparison. Shirer leaves no stone unturned, discussing history, biography, diplomacy, military tactics, economics, even romance within his piece's 1500 pages. All areas are amazingly well-researched (the end notes and foot notes alone are an undertaking of mind-boggling volume). As a history lover myself, and one who subscribes very much to the notion that history is cyclical and we must learn about the mistakes of the past to prevent their repetition, I suggest Shirer's work to ANYONE (except, of course, children, as Shirer discusses at some length the gruesomeness of the Third Reich's racial theory and practices).
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