Hitler's 'National Community': Society and Culture in Nazi Germany

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

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Lisa Pines Hitlers National Community explores German culture and society during the Nazi era and analyses how this impacted upon the Germany that followed this fateful regime. Drawing on a range of significant scholarly works on the subject, Pine informs us as to the major historiographical debates surrounding the subject whilst establishing her own original, interpretative arc. The book is divided into four parts. The first section explores the attempts of the Nazi regime to create a Volksgemeinschaft (national community). The second part examines men, women, the family, the churches and religion. The third section analyses the fate of those groups that were excluded from the Volksgemeinschaft. The final section of the book considers the impact of the Nazi government upon German culture, in particular focusing on the radio and press, cinema and theatre, art and architecture, music and literature. This new edition includes historiographical updates throughout, an additional chapter on the early Nazi movement and brand new primary source excerpt boxes and illustrations. There is also expanded material on key topics like resistance, women and family, men and masculinity and religion. A crucial text for all students of Nazi Germany, this book provides a sophisticated window into the social and cultural aspects of life under Hitlers rule.

Reviews

Lisa Pines excellent new book is advertised as a second edition but it is much more than that ... [Her] analysis is balanced and lucid throughout. One of the characteristics of her approach is her meticulous attention at every stage to the arguments of previous scholars. This makes her book ideal for students at every level and indeed for anyone involved in teaching. It is difficult to think of a better text to recommend on this subject. Libraries and individuals who own the first edition will simply have to buy the second. They will be richly rewarded with a superb survey of German social history under National Socialism. It is without doubt by far the best book of its kind for over 40 years. * Journal of European Studies *
Pines excellent overview of the social and cultural history of Nazi Germany is an ideal resource for scholars and students. This concise survey of the most recent historiography synthesizes key scholarship on conformity and consent in the Third Reich. Pine provides insightful analysis of a disturbing reality: there was widespread popular consent for Nazi policies, especially persecution of social outsiders, based on pre-existing prejudice and the desire to belong in the national community. Pines skillful writing and expertise on daily life in Nazi Germany brilliantly illuminates how a modern, civilized society can descend into barbarity. * Jason Crouthamel, Grand Valley State University, USA *
A clear and effective introduction to the Third Reich. The concept of National Community, of its alignments and ideology, and of those excluded from it, proves highly effective. This is also a significant contribution to the impact of power and ideology in mid-twentieth century Europe. Deserves wide ranging attention. * Jeremy Black, University of Exeter, UK *
A pioneer in the study of families in Nazi Germany, Lisa Pine now reviews the history of the regime and its people from a gamut of timely perspectives. Students can now turn here for a judiciously conceived overview of an always challenging subject, written by a skilled and seasoned teacher. * Nathan Stoltzfus, Florida State University, USA *
An excellent overview with an original contribution to make to the social history of Nazi Germany - one of the most useful books I've found for teaching this subject. * Tim Kirk, Newcastle University, UK *

Author Bio

Lisa Pine is Reader in History at London South Bank University, UK. She is the author of Life and Times in Nazi Germany (2016), Education in Nazi Germany (2010) and Nazi Family Policy, 1933-1945 (1997).