For the first time in one enthralling book, here is the incredible true story of the numerous attempts to assassinate Adolf Hitler and change the course of history.

Disraeli once declared that “assassination never changed anything,” and yet the idea that World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust might have been averted with a single bullet or bomb has remained a tantalizing one for half a century. What historian Roger Moorhouse reveals in Killing Hitler is just how close–and how often–history came to taking a radically different path between Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and his ignominious suicide.

Few leaders, in any century, can have been the target of so many assassination attempts, with such momentous consequences in the balance. Hitler’s almost fifty would-be assassins ranged from simple craftsmen to high-ranking soldiers, from the apolitical to the ideologically obsessed, from Polish Resistance fighters to patriotic Wehrmacht officers, and from enemy agents to his closest associates. And yet, up to now, their exploits have remained virtually unknown, buried in dusty official archives and obscure memoirs. This, then, for the first time in a single volume, is their story.

A story of courage and ingenuity and, ultimately, failure, ranging from spectacular train derailments to the world’s first known suicide bomber, explaining along the way why the British at one time declared that assassinating Hitler would be “unsporting,” and why the ruthless murderer Joseph Stalin was unwilling to order his death.

It is also the remarkable, terrible story of the survival of a tyrant against all the odds, an evil dictator whose repeated escapes from almost certain death convinced him that he was literally invincible–a conviction that had appalling consequences for millions.

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"Compelling.... a page-turner for WWII buffs as well as anyone with a passion for the underbelly of political power in one of the last century's darkest regimes."—Publishers Weekly

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“As Hitler rose to prominence and power, assassination attempts became more and more frequent and sophisticated. It was by sheer luck that Hitler escaped many of these attempts. A charismatic leader to some, he was an evil menace to the world as well as to Germany itself. By systematically examining several segments of society from which Hitler would be targeted, Roger Moorhouse details the history behind some of the assassination attempts, the actual attempt, and the consequences. The brutality of a world at war, the conviction that Hitler needed to be stopped, the passion of the assassins–all are brought to life in this book.”–Florence T., Dana Point, CA

“The wealth of resources, masterful prose, and a sensitivity not only to the historical context but to the individuals themselves makes Killing Hitler one of the finest accounts I've had the pleasure to read. Moorhouse studies how each event unfurls, the motivations behind the would-be assassins, and their place amid the greater events of the rise and fall of Hitler.”–Carissa R., Vancouver, WA

“I do not consider myself a student of history, but this book definitely won me over. It was as exciting and intriguing as any Tom Clancy thriller. I really appreciated the monumental amount of research that went into the writing of this book. Even more, I appreciated the author's ability to present the subject in such a fascinating manner. Education and entertainment in one package–bravo!”–Connie S., Scottsdale, AZ

“I was a little leery of the title but delightfully surprised at the wealth of material in the book. Roger Moorhouse makes history interesting and his ability to draw you into the story makes it feel like a thriller. Not only did I find myself reading through the chapters, I was also intrigued by the footnotes. Looking at the references, I will be adding on to my already towering pile of books.”–Bonnie S., Ft. Wainwright, AK

“I have read and studied a lot about the Holocaust. Never in all my studying have I heard about the assassination attempts on Hitler's life. The book's topic fascinated me and the writing was articulate but reads like a novel. I thought I would be bored with the details, but it was fast paced, informative, and enlightening. Another dimension to the stories of the Holocaust and one that needs to be told.”–Susan S., Lake Worth, FL

“A fascinating account of a horrific man and his uncanny ability to survive.  I found it amazing that he survived as long as he did because the author points out the striking weaknesses of Hitler’s personal security.”–Jennifer C., Edmond, OK

“The author has done a remarkable job with his research, covering everything in depth.  Anyone who would like to learn more about Hitler would find this book well worth their time.”–Wanda B., Winnipeg, MB

“German history at it's most interesting.  Roger Moorhouse pulled me into his story and made me enjoy learning.  There were so many missed opportunities to change the future of mankind and Mr. Moorhouse shared them all.  I look forward to seeing other glimpses into the past by this author.”–Renea S., Clear Lake, IA

“Rich in historical details…gives the reader an interesting look at the many attempts on this evil dictator's life. Unfortunately, no one succeeded, save the ultimate assassin–himself. Everyone knows, though, that by the time Hitler took his own life, millions had died horrible, unfathomable deaths. It was fascinating to read about the close circle of associates surrounding Hitler, as well as the politics that took place during that time.”–Judy G., Owensboro, KY

“Killing Hitler was a fabulous read. Any time you can pick up a book and learn something you didn't know it’s a good book in my opinion.  I sat down to read while on a trip and spent every moment I could reading it–finishing it in two days.  A great read that I would recommend to anyone!”–Michael S., Grand Prairie, TX

“A fascinating part of history.  It leaves you wondering how the world would have changed if any of these people might have succeeded.  This book is rich with historical detail, and is a must read for all history buffs.  A really interesting and informative read.”–Marcia D., Zeeland, MN

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Click to visit the author's official Web site.

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Roger Moorhouse studied history at the University of London and is currently reading for a PhD in modern German history at the University of Strathclyde. He was co-author with Norman Davies of Microcosm: Portrait of a Central European City and is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine. He is married with two children and lives in Buckinghamshire, England.

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