Best History Books About the Nazis (2026): 5 Picks

The Third Reich remains one of the most studied periods in history. The best history books about the nazis range from definitive scholarly trilogies to focused studies of the Gestapo and the occult. This guide compares five history books on pages, publisher and score, ranked by Shelf Score.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Coming of the Third Reich	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Revolutionists	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Hitler's Empire	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Gestapo	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	The Nazis and the Occult	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Coming of the Third Reich

Richard J. Evans·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The definitive account of Hitler's rise to power, 656 pages, Penguin.

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Pros

• 656 pages
• Definitive
• Penguin

Cons

• 2005
• Dense
• Reprint

2

The Revolutionists

Jason Burke·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An epic account of 1970s extremists, 768 pages, Knopf.

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Pros

• 768 pages
• 2026
• Knopf

Cons

• Dense
• 1970s focus
• Long

3

Hitler's Empire

Mark Mazower·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

How the Nazis ruled Europe, 784 pages.

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Pros

• 784 pages
• 2009
• Original research

Cons

• Dense
• 2009
• Long

4

Gestapo

Lucas Saul·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The story of Hitler's secret state police, Arcturus.

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Pros

• Arcturus
• 2015
• Profiles

Cons

• Short
• Ebook
• 2015

5

The Nazis and the Occult

Paul Roland·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The Third Reich's link with the occult, Arcturus.

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Pros

• Arcturus
• 2018
• Occult angle

Cons

• 2018
• Niche
• Reprint

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More picks to compare

• History Brought AliveConcise, 209 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specifications are publisher listed as stated, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs depth, authority, readability and value. For history books, authority means distinguished historians; the Evans book is by one of the world’s most distinguished historians. None of the five states a warranty. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best history books about the nazis

Scope

The Evans book covers Hitler’s rise to power; the Mazower book covers how the Nazis ruled Europe; the Saul book covers the Gestapo; the Roland book covers the occult. Pick the scope that matches your interest. See the best history books about world war 2 picks for more.

Length

The Mazower book has 784 pages; the Burke book has 768 pages; the Evans book has 656 pages. Longer books suit deep dives; shorter ones suit overviews.

Publisher

The Evans book is Penguin; the Burke book is Knopf; the Saul and Roland books are Arcturus. A major publisher suits readers who want editorial rigor.

Recency

The Burke book is 2026; the Roland book is 2018; the Saul book is 2015. Newer books suit readers who want recent research.

Setup Notes

• None of the five states a warranty.
• Check the edition: reprint or original.
• The Evans book is book 1 of 3.
• Keep the order confirmation.
• Gift wrap is available at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most definitive?

The Evans book: the definitive account of Hitler’s rise.

Which is newest?

The Burke book: 2026, 768 pages.

Which covers the Gestapo?

The Saul book.

Which covers the occult?

The Roland book.

Which is longest?

The Mazower book: 784 pages.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Coming of the Third Reich

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