Storming to Power (1989, Hardcover, Illustrated)

This would actually be the best book to read first in the series, because it details the formation of the Third reich and Hitler's rise to power. It covers some of the early history but really begins with Hitler's release from prison (he was convicted for his involvement in the Beer Hall Putsch) and decision to take control of the German government through politics instead of revolution. It does return to his youth in Austria and other prior events, but only briefly to provide context.

A few things of interest:

Hitler, while not viewed as a powerful man until right before becoming chancellor, already had a polarizing effect on those around him. He did not in any way hide his intentions, stating them explicitly in Mien Kampf and to individuals. This is show by this quote from a police report cited in the book. "Hitler will, because of his energy, again become a driving force of new and serious public riots and a menace to the security of the state".

The book is very purposely called "Storming to Power" as a reference to the SA Stormtroopers that were a major part of Hitler's strategy for gaining influence. The Stormtroopers themselves thought they were working towards a military style coup and would be the appointed leaders in the military high command after it took place. Hitler let them believe that while using them in a different manner. He used them to intimidate others groups (particularly the communists) and to disrupt programs of the government so that he could claim they were not effective. By goading them to constantly fight in the streets he turned a militant group into a form of highly visible propaganda. This is very similar to the way various factions and groups are operating against the government in Iraq today, with similar results. Eventually the nazis gained enough strength in the Reichstag for Hitler to be included in the government, and then stunningly seize complete power even though the Nazi party was far from the majority.

Hitler was Austrian by birth. He did however serve in the German army in World War One. Citing this and other reasons he renounced his Austrian citizenship and actually had no nationality for a number of years.

The Good: Very effective at showing the circumstances that allowed hitler to gain power and the methods he used. It does a great job of showing how narrow a margin there almost always was between his success and failure. Even when he became the Chancellor of Germany it was not with a majority Nazi party vote, but as a compromise by well meaning men who believed they could manage or control him. This book really helps to complete ones knowledge of the situation and circumstances surrounding germany.
The Bad: The editing is characteristic of this series. One section on the Arts has some odd layout choices that I feel disrupt more then they add in feel.
The Ugly: Hitler in Lederhosen. The man had a serious case of White Man's Legs.