Was Hitler ill? : a final diagnosis /

Professor of medicine Neumann (Charite, Berlin) and historian Eberle (Martin Luther King of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany) have exhaustively examined the theories that Hitler's various illnesses, be they psychological or physical, help explain Hitler's animus toward the Jews that led to the Holocaust. Historians, philosophers, and the like, state the authors, have considered the question of Hitler's well-being not because they are interested, but because they seek explanations as to how "it" could have happened. The authors reexamine Hitler's personal medical history and reports, especially medication administered by his physician, Theodore Morell, to argue that Hitler was neither exceptionally ill nor mentally disturbed. Hitler's gradual physical and mental decline, they argue, was the result of age-related arteriosclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The authors contend there is no evidence that these two conditions affected Hitler's decisions. Rather, Hitler can be designated as "sick" for unleashing a world war and carrying out a genocide, "but if that is the case, the society that produced and allowed itself to be led by him was just as 'sick.'" The war was not waged nor Jews exterminated because Hitler was ill, but because most Germans shared his convictions, made him their Fuhrer, and followed him. Hitler, the authors conclude, was healthy and accountable. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. J. Fischel emeritus, Messiah College