Albert Speer

Albert Speer remains the most mysterious character of the leadership of the Nazi regime. He was the chief architect of the Third Reich and Adolf Hitler's confidant. Speer built the "Reichskanzlei" (official offices), discovered the "Lightdome" and was finally, in 1942, named as the minister for arms. But he characterised himself as apolitical, called Hitler's hatred of Jews an anomaly, and the conspirators of the 20th July placed Speer's name on their cabinet list. Here at last are the memoirs of the mysterious Albert Speer, the "good Nazi" Joachim Fest’s records of conversations with Speer provide a fascinating insight into the psyche of Hitler's architect This book is a vital contribution towards the understanding of the psychology of the national socialist leadership Fest has created a volume that provides a unique portrait of a member of the Nazi party until now clouded in mystery

Introduction 1. Drawing Closer 2. The Innermost Circle 3. Highs and Lows 4. The Minister: Flying Starts and Stumbling Blocks 5. Breaking with Hitler 6. Completion of the ‘Memoirs’ 7. The End and the Farewell to Hitler 8. Trial, Prison Years, Release 9. Expert in Escapes 10. The Unanswered Questions Chronology Sources of Illustrations