German resistance to Hitler /

Hoffman (McGill University) is an acknowledged authority on the German resistance to Hitler. This brief but comprehensive account explains the Nazi rise to power, military and civilian aspects of resistance, ideology, contacts abroad, and reasons for lack of any real success. All sorts of people took part, including generals whose refusal to take risks except under carefully defined, ideal situations ensured failure. Hoffmann concludes with Count Stauffenberg's 1944 opinion that it was time to act. The actor would be viewed in German history as a traitor, but--more important--would not betray his conscience. Documented, but the notes are difficult to follow because abbreviations are used after the first citation, and no list of abbreviations is given. In one or two cases, documentation is inadequate because reference is made to other works of the author and not to original sources. As good an account as readers are likely to get for some time. Upper-division undergraduates and above. D. H. Norton Fitchburg State College