The frightening events of the Holocaust comprise a unique and terrifying period of history. The fact that this genocide of European Jews was the result of conscious decisions made by the highest levels of the Third Reich has been under-emphasised. Although it would be a mistake to put the murder of the Jews down to Hitler's will alone, it is time to make clear that Hitler was the driving force behind radicalisation of the National Socialist policy of extermination. Without Hitler there would be no Holocaust. This book offers documentary proof of Hitler's central role in the murder of European Jews. Various documents and fragments of documents have been pieced together and the codified language of the dictator has, for once and for all, been deciphered. AUTHOR: Peter Longerich was Professor of German History at Royal Holloway, University of London and Director of the Research Centre for the Holocaust and twentieth-century history. He was an expert witness in the celebrated trial between David Irving and Deborah Lipstadt/Penguin Books, his role to demonstrate that the murder of millions of Jews was conducted on Hitler's orders. He has written biographies on Himmler and Goebbels, among other works. SELLING POINTS: . Much-acclaimed military historian and author, and the leading authority on the Holocaust . The definitive study of Adolf Hitler's role in the planning and implementation of the greatest act of genocide of the twentieth century . Accessible, easily digestible and clear – perfect for students and general readers as well as specialists 1 b/w illustration