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Canaris: The Life and Death of Hitler's Spymaster
This biography of the Nazi intelligence chief who spied both for and against Hitler examines the life of one of WWII’s most intriguing figures.
An early supporter of Adolph Hitler, Wilhelm Canaris became chief of German military intelligence before secretly turning against the Nazi regime at the start of World War II. Throughout his career, few who knew him ever understood his plans. Even today, historians find Wilhelm Canaris a man of mystery among Hitler’s top lieutenants. The great protector of German opposition to Hitler, Canaris was also the one who prepared the Third Reich’s major expansion plans. While he motivated those who were eager to bring down Hitler, he also hunted them as conspirators—one of the many contradictions he was forced to live with in order to stay in control of the Nazi spy network. This superbly researched biography follows Canaris's career from his first dabbling in the intelligence business during World War I through his time as head of the Abwehr to his execution in 1945 for his role in the July Plot. A highly readable account, it tells the story of an apparently old-fashioned naval officer, drawn into the web of the Nazi regime.
An early supporter of Adolph Hitler, Wilhelm Canaris became chief of German military intelligence before secretly turning against the Nazi regime at the start of World War II. Throughout his career, few who knew him ever understood his plans. Even today, historians find Wilhelm Canaris a man of mystery among Hitler’s top lieutenants. The great protector of German opposition to Hitler, Canaris was also the one who prepared the Third Reich’s major expansion plans. While he motivated those who were eager to bring down Hitler, he also hunted them as conspirators—one of the many contradictions he was forced to live with in order to stay in control of the Nazi spy network. This superbly researched biography follows Canaris's career from his first dabbling in the intelligence business during World War I through his time as head of the Abwehr to his execution in 1945 for his role in the July Plot. A highly readable account, it tells the story of an apparently old-fashioned naval officer, drawn into the web of the Nazi regime.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 5, 2018
Like a spy story, the life of Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was much shrouded in mystery. From a submarine captain, Canaris landed a job in German intelligence. Undeniably helped the rise of Nazi, Canaris ultimately became disillusioned by them and joined the resistance against Hitler. His intelligence department, the Abwehr, became a place for subterfuge both for and against Nazis’ activities. Unfortunately, misfortunes here and there stopped Canaris and his accomplices in their track, mainly their reluctance to act during Nazi’s earliest years before it grew stronger. When they decided to get serious, it was too late.
October 7, 2019
A biography of Germany's WWII military intelligence chief. Mueller centers his biography of Canaris on his involvement in the anti-Nazi and anti-Hitler resistance. It is astounding to me that Canaris lasted in such a sensitive position for as long as he did. However, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more discussion on Canaris as spy chief. Some intelligence operations are mentioned in passing, but few details are given. The exception is Operation Felix, the plan to capture Gibraltar, but that had much to do with politics.
March 12, 2023
Interesting book. A little more about the man him self would have been good.
An interesting book. More about the man himself would have been. And more about the trial would have made the book more interesting.
An interesting book. More about the man himself would have been. And more about the trial would have made the book more interesting.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews