Molitor, Andreas Hermann Göring

Macht und Exzess. Eine Biografie

Hermann Göring (1893-1946), Reich Minister of Aviation and second man behind Hitler, amassed offices and powers like no other Nazi great. Andreas Molitor tells the story of the life of a power-hungry man who eliminated opponents in cold blood, participated in the Holocaust and led a bizarre life of luxury - while being sidelined by Hitler. In telling scenes and analysed in line with the current state of debate, this is a captivating biography of an unscrupulous man who seems to defy all explanation. The pursuit of power and prestige runs like a red thread through Göring's life, from his childhood to his conviction at the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal and his suicide in a prison cell. Göring's thirst for power only found its limits with Adolf Hitler. He is submissively devoted to him. After Göring fails as commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe in the Second World War and Hitler withdraws his favour, he retreats to his country estate Carinhall, where art theft, a passion for hunting and decadent luxury are far more important than the attacks by Allied bombers. The extravagant lifestyle has led to whitewashed interpretations of Göring's role in National Socialism. Andreas Molitor shows that the self-proclaimed man of action sealed the economic and social decline of the German Jews with the de-Jewification of the German economy and played a major role in preparing the Holocaust.