Reichstag Fire: Ashes of Democracy by R. John Pritchard (Vintage 1972 Illustrated)

“Reichstag Fire: Ashes of Democracy” is a book by R. John Pritchard that explores the events leading up to the burning of the Reichstag building in Berlin on February 27, 1933, and its aftermath. The Reichstag fire was a pivotal moment in the rise of the Nazi party and the consolidation of power by Adolf Hitler.

Pritchard provides a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the political climate in Germany at the time, the actions of the Nazi party, and the investigation that followed. He argues that the fire was used by the Nazis as a pretext to justify a crackdown on political opposition, including the suspension of civil liberties and the arrest of thousands of political dissidents.

The book also delves into the role of the media in shaping public opinion about the fire and the Nazi regime, as well as the reactions of other countries and international organizations to the events in Germany.

Overall, “Reichstag Fire: Ashes of Democracy” provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of a pivotal moment in world history, shedding light on the complex factors that contributed to the rise of Nazi Germany and the erosion of democracy in Europe.