"I had honored my father, Adolf would write later, but my mother I had loved. As he mourned her, the young Hitler must have wondered what he would do next."

This comprehensive biography details the life of one of the world's most resented leaders, Adolf Hitler.  With a focus on everything from Hitler's childhood, his depressing years as a struggling artist as well as his rise as dictator of Germany, Giblin presents Hitler up close and personal for young readers to examine. Giblin gives much attention to Hitler's childhood sharing intimate portrayals of his family life. The author provides chilling accounts of abuse at the hands of his father and the overwhelming amount of sorrow experienced after his mother's death.  Giblin superbly explores the complex personality of the controversial leader.  His desire for authority and control over people is balanced with details of his love for dogs and inability to connect with women. Giblin's biography provides an interesting perspective on one of the nation's most feared leaders.

The Life of Adolf Hitler is written splendidly!   Gilblin presents this historical overview of Hitler with an extreme amount of balance and attention to detail.  Pictures of Hitler's family, dogs, and other events provide unique images for Giblins text.  Other depressing illustrations throughout the book allow readers to obtain more insightful observations of the pain and frustrations caused by the leader.   The chapters uniquely complement each other and contribute to readers receiving a detailed organized version of the leader's life. Giblin's language is straightforward and thorough. A glossary and extensive bibliography explains unfamiliar terms and allows readers to pursue further research. The Life of Adolf Hitler provides a focused detailed account of a complicated leader that young adults will surely enjoy!