The idea of this sticky is to collect recommandations on good books dealing with the Resistance Movements.
Please post the title, author and a short (or long) explenation as to why you feel that particular title deserves to be included.
/Marcus
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Recommended reading on the Resistance Movements
Recommended reading on the Resistance Movements
Last edited by Marcus on 03 Nov 2007, 20:23, edited 1 time in total.
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Mannerheim_Huddersfield
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An Honourable Defeat: A History of German Resistance to Hitler, 1933-1945
By : Anton Gill
This book, as opposed to the similar offering from Joachim Fest, gives a very unique and detailed analysis of resistance to Hitler within the Third Reich. Not only does it explain the structure and nature of resistance movements within the Armed Forces and Intelligence services, but it also focuses on resistance from the Church (Catholic and Protestant), Left Wing Groups, Junkers and German youth (ie: The White Rose). It offers a remarkable macro and micro insight into the workings of these ultimatley doomed acts of courage and honour.
Well worth reading.
By : Anton Gill
This book, as opposed to the similar offering from Joachim Fest, gives a very unique and detailed analysis of resistance to Hitler within the Third Reich. Not only does it explain the structure and nature of resistance movements within the Armed Forces and Intelligence services, but it also focuses on resistance from the Church (Catholic and Protestant), Left Wing Groups, Junkers and German youth (ie: The White Rose). It offers a remarkable macro and micro insight into the workings of these ultimatley doomed acts of courage and honour.
Well worth reading.
'War in the Wild East' by Ben Shepherd
This is a well-researched book and shows how the partisan war and the counterininsurgency operations went on in the occupied territories of the Soviet Union. It's a must-read book on the partisan war in the Wild East.
This is a well-researched book and shows how the partisan war and the counterininsurgency operations went on in the occupied territories of the Soviet Union. It's a must-read book on the partisan war in the Wild East.
Last edited by Kim Sung on 13 Dec 2006, 17:48, edited 1 time in total.
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Steen Ammentorp
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Fascinating account of a cavalry officer who is thrust into the role of guerilla commander after refusing to surrender to the Japanese after the fall of Bataan and Correigdor.
Lt Ramsey would go on to be one of the most important guerilla commanders in the campaign against the Japanese. Using a shortwave radio he made many reports to Australia, never knowing if many even arrived. Little did he know that they were followed with interest by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
The leader of the Kempetai, Gen. Baba, had a picture of Ramsey on his desk. He narrowly escaped capture and certain death on many occasions, and even had his appendix removed in the jungle after it burst, and no pain medication was available.
Lt. Ramsey would lead 40,000 loosely organized resistance fighters.
Here are some of my favourites available on the German resistance movement that are available in English. Many are out of print (OOP) but they are readily available from internet service such as http://www.bookfinder.com:
History of the German Resistance by Peter Hoffmann – meticulously researched history of the military and political resistance movement in Germany 1933-1944 with a focus on the assassination attempts. Phenomenal footnotes. A classic work of scholarship by the recognized leader in the field.
Stauffenberg: A Family History by Peter Hoffmann – Hoffmann turns his attention to a bio of the 3 Stauffenberg brothers. A balanced bio focussing on Claus but not omitting the lesser known brothers. Excellent standard of scholarship.
Secret Germany – Claus von Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler by Baigent and Leigh - A hero worshipping book on Claus by the losers of the recent Da Vinci Code lawsuit that still manages to present fresh and inspiring thought. The book seeks to place Stauffenberg within the context of German traditions and to define the role of “hero” on the 20th Century.
To the Bitter End by Hans Bernd Gisevius – A fascinating memoir by one of the few survivors. Gisevius was not a fan of Stauffenberg and has been considered an apologist for Nebe, but he was there and he writes well. Indispensable if read critically.
Canaris by Heinz Höhne – Lengthy and excellent bio by the author of “Order of the Death’s Head.” Well balanced, meticulously researched and much content on the Abwehr resistance cell and their motivations as well as the little known end of Cnaris et al in KZ Flossenburg.
Conspiracy Against Hitler in the Twilight War by Harold Deutsch (OOP) – Excellent scholarly account of Halder’s lesser known 1939 putsch attempt. Again with excellent detail and footnotes.
Hitler and His Generals: The Hidden Crisis, January-June 1938 by Harold Deutsch (OOP)– another Deutsch classic focusing on the Fritsch/Blomberg crisis and its role as genesis for the 1938 coup attempt. Again with excellent footnotes and written in great detail.
The Secret War Against Hitler by Fabian von Schlabrendorff (OOP) – Great memoir by another of the survivors. Schlabrendorff assisted Tresckow but putting a bomb on Hitler plane in March ’43 (which he describes in detail). Lots of references to the various players in the resistance by someone who know them and who was a key personality in the Army Group Centre resistance circle. Interesting appendix on the Fritsch trial.
The von Hassell Diaries 1938-1944 by Ulrich von Hassell (OOP) – Fascinating diary kept by one of the executed July 20 conspirators and hidden from the Gestapo when it was buried in his garden. Read about the growing conspiracy and deteriorating home front situation as it occurs by an intelligent and brave man.
A Mother’s War by Fey von Hassell (OOP?) – Memoir by von Hassell’s daughter who was shipped off in "kith and kin" detention with other conspirators and family members. Dramatically describes how the famous special prisoners column evaded last minute liquidation by their SS guards in Northern Italy in 1945.
The conscience in revolt: Portraits of the German resistance 1933-1945 by Annedore Leber (OOP) – Small bios of 64 resisters mixing the well known July 20 personalities with lesser knowns who gave their lives and who deserve to be remembered. Excellent and inspiring read by Julius Leber’s daughter!
GERMANS AGAINST HITLER. July 20, 1944. English lic. edition published by the Press and Information Office of the Fed. Goverm. of Germany. (OOP) – Given its source, one would expect this book to be blatant revisionist propaganda but instead is a wealth of primary source detail on the bomb plot and main members. It has trial excerpts, execution records, testimonials, photos, first hand accounts etc. Another fascinating read!
History of the German Resistance by Peter Hoffmann – meticulously researched history of the military and political resistance movement in Germany 1933-1944 with a focus on the assassination attempts. Phenomenal footnotes. A classic work of scholarship by the recognized leader in the field.
Stauffenberg: A Family History by Peter Hoffmann – Hoffmann turns his attention to a bio of the 3 Stauffenberg brothers. A balanced bio focussing on Claus but not omitting the lesser known brothers. Excellent standard of scholarship.
Secret Germany – Claus von Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler by Baigent and Leigh - A hero worshipping book on Claus by the losers of the recent Da Vinci Code lawsuit that still manages to present fresh and inspiring thought. The book seeks to place Stauffenberg within the context of German traditions and to define the role of “hero” on the 20th Century.
To the Bitter End by Hans Bernd Gisevius – A fascinating memoir by one of the few survivors. Gisevius was not a fan of Stauffenberg and has been considered an apologist for Nebe, but he was there and he writes well. Indispensable if read critically.
Canaris by Heinz Höhne – Lengthy and excellent bio by the author of “Order of the Death’s Head.” Well balanced, meticulously researched and much content on the Abwehr resistance cell and their motivations as well as the little known end of Cnaris et al in KZ Flossenburg.
Conspiracy Against Hitler in the Twilight War by Harold Deutsch (OOP) – Excellent scholarly account of Halder’s lesser known 1939 putsch attempt. Again with excellent detail and footnotes.
Hitler and His Generals: The Hidden Crisis, January-June 1938 by Harold Deutsch (OOP)– another Deutsch classic focusing on the Fritsch/Blomberg crisis and its role as genesis for the 1938 coup attempt. Again with excellent footnotes and written in great detail.
The Secret War Against Hitler by Fabian von Schlabrendorff (OOP) – Great memoir by another of the survivors. Schlabrendorff assisted Tresckow but putting a bomb on Hitler plane in March ’43 (which he describes in detail). Lots of references to the various players in the resistance by someone who know them and who was a key personality in the Army Group Centre resistance circle. Interesting appendix on the Fritsch trial.
The von Hassell Diaries 1938-1944 by Ulrich von Hassell (OOP) – Fascinating diary kept by one of the executed July 20 conspirators and hidden from the Gestapo when it was buried in his garden. Read about the growing conspiracy and deteriorating home front situation as it occurs by an intelligent and brave man.
A Mother’s War by Fey von Hassell (OOP?) – Memoir by von Hassell’s daughter who was shipped off in "kith and kin" detention with other conspirators and family members. Dramatically describes how the famous special prisoners column evaded last minute liquidation by their SS guards in Northern Italy in 1945.
The conscience in revolt: Portraits of the German resistance 1933-1945 by Annedore Leber (OOP) – Small bios of 64 resisters mixing the well known July 20 personalities with lesser knowns who gave their lives and who deserve to be remembered. Excellent and inspiring read by Julius Leber’s daughter!
GERMANS AGAINST HITLER. July 20, 1944. English lic. edition published by the Press and Information Office of the Fed. Goverm. of Germany. (OOP) – Given its source, one would expect this book to be blatant revisionist propaganda but instead is a wealth of primary source detail on the bomb plot and main members. It has trial excerpts, execution records, testimonials, photos, first hand accounts etc. Another fascinating read!
Unfortunately, there really was not enough evidence to back up the author's points, with the result that he alternatively has to speculate and to qualify his statements.
Kim Sung wrote:'War in the Wild East' by Ben Shepherd
This is a well-researched book and shows how the partisan war and the counterininsurgency operations went on in the occupied territories of the Soviet Union. It's a must-read book on the partisan war in the Wild East.
Ramsey's War is not bad, as far as Philippines memoirs go (I like Lapham's and Volckmann's better), but his importance is overrated--he did not engage the enemy very much and he counted as "his" guerrillas all sorts of people who were independent.
Dan W. wrote:Fascinating account of a cavalry officer who is thrust into the role of guerilla commander after refusing to surrender to the Japanese after the fall of Bataan and Correigdor.
Lt Ramsey would go on to be one of the most important guerilla commanders in the campaign against the Japanese. Using a shortwave radio he made many reports to Australia, never knowing if many even arrived. Little did he know that they were followed with interest by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
The leader of the Kempetai, Gen. Baba, had a picture of Ramsey on his desk. He narrowly escaped capture and certain death on many occasions, and even had his appendix removed in the jungle after it burst, and no pain medication was available.
Lt. Ramsey would lead 40,000 loosely organized resistance fighters.
For a project I've been working on the past year or so, I've been doing research into essentially all resistance/guerrilla/partisan movements in WWII, from the well-known ones like Tito's partisans and the maquis to less well known movements like the Ili rebellion in northwest china in 1944.
As I've been doing the research, I have been compiling a bibliography of books in English. I haven't counted, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were up to 200 books or so. I am about 90% through with the research phase of my project. If people are interested, when I am finished, I can post the bibliography.
My research work does not cover all aspects of resistance, just primarily armed partisan/guerrilla movements. However, many of the books I looked at were far more broad in their coverage than that. The bibliography includes books on France, the Low Countries, Germany (Biddicombe, basically), Norway, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Czechoslovakia (both parts), Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, the Soviet Union (including resistance in the Ukraine and the Baltic states), Burma, China, Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines, and probably other countries I couldn't remember off the top of my head. The only obvious gap would seem to be Korea, where I have not found good works in English on armed resistance during the World War II era.
It is not comprehensive, but it could be useful.
As I've been doing the research, I have been compiling a bibliography of books in English. I haven't counted, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were up to 200 books or so. I am about 90% through with the research phase of my project. If people are interested, when I am finished, I can post the bibliography.
My research work does not cover all aspects of resistance, just primarily armed partisan/guerrilla movements. However, many of the books I looked at were far more broad in their coverage than that. The bibliography includes books on France, the Low Countries, Germany (Biddicombe, basically), Norway, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Czechoslovakia (both parts), Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, the Soviet Union (including resistance in the Ukraine and the Baltic states), Burma, China, Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines, and probably other countries I couldn't remember off the top of my head. The only obvious gap would seem to be Korea, where I have not found good works in English on armed resistance during the World War II era.
It is not comprehensive, but it could be useful.
I would be greatly interested in seeing that bibliography, if you have an opportunity to postpitman wrote:For a project I've been working on the past year or so, I've been doing research into essentially all resistance/guerrilla/partisan movements in WWII, from the well-known ones like Tito's partisans and the maquis to less well known movements like the Ili rebellion in northwest china in 1944.
As I've been doing the research, I have been compiling a bibliography of books in English. I haven't counted, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were up to 200 books or so. I am about 90% through with the research phase of my project. If people are interested, when I am finished, I can post the bibliography.
My research work does not cover all aspects of resistance, just primarily armed partisan/guerrilla movements. However, many of the books I looked at were far more broad in their coverage than that. The bibliography includes books on France, the Low Countries, Germany (Biddicombe, basically), Norway, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Czechoslovakia (both parts), Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, the Soviet Union (including resistance in the Ukraine and the Baltic states), Burma, China, Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines, and probably other countries I couldn't remember off the top of my head. The only obvious gap would seem to be Korea, where I have not found good works in English on armed resistance during the World War II era.
It is not comprehensive, but it could be useful.
I have done some research in this field, with a particular focus on resistance to National Socialism within Germany. "Confront! Resistance in Nazi Germany" (Confront! Resistance in Nazi Germany, edited by John J. Michalczyk. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, 2004) is a comprehensive collection of articles exploring various aspects of German resistance; it provides information on the big ones, such as the White Rose and July 1944, as well as less cited examples such as the Jehovah's Witnesses.
"Berlin Diaries: 1940-1945" (Marie Vassiltchikov. New York: Vintage Books, 1988) is a great firsthand account of the 20th of July Plot written by a White Russian emigre who was rubbing shoulders with the von Bismarcks in the days leading up to and following the attempt on Hitler's life. It is annotated in such a way as to aid the reader with historical facts and context in a useful way. Also contains some interesting observations on wartime Nazi Germany from an outsider.
I found that it was difficult to locate accounts or studies of German resistance that weren't romanticized (not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but made for difficult objective research). Hanser's "A Noble Treason" (Hanser, Richard. A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1979) is a study of the White Rose which provides an example of this. It's a good read and I don't disagree with the author in painting the students as martyrs, but it has such a slant that it's difficult to use when trying to interpret the story for one's own research purposes.
"Berlin Diaries: 1940-1945" (Marie Vassiltchikov. New York: Vintage Books, 1988) is a great firsthand account of the 20th of July Plot written by a White Russian emigre who was rubbing shoulders with the von Bismarcks in the days leading up to and following the attempt on Hitler's life. It is annotated in such a way as to aid the reader with historical facts and context in a useful way. Also contains some interesting observations on wartime Nazi Germany from an outsider.
I found that it was difficult to locate accounts or studies of German resistance that weren't romanticized (not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but made for difficult objective research). Hanser's "A Noble Treason" (Hanser, Richard. A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1979) is a study of the White Rose which provides an example of this. It's a good read and I don't disagree with the author in painting the students as martyrs, but it has such a slant that it's difficult to use when trying to interpret the story for one's own research purposes.
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phylo_roadking
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A research paper on Norwegian resistance in WW2:
https://research.au.af.mil/papers/ay199 ... -0146C.pdf
All the best
Andreas
https://research.au.af.mil/papers/ay199 ... -0146C.pdf
All the best
Andreas