Mein Kampf

The madman, the tyrant, the animal—history has called him many names. In Mein Kampf, often called the “bible of Nazism,” Adolf Hitler describes his life, his frustrations, his ideals, and his dreams. Born to a poor family in a small town in Austria, young Adolf had a burning desire to become a painter. However, the death of his parents and his rejection from art schools in Vienna forced him to do menial work for little pay. During World War I, Hitler served in the infantry and was decorated for his bravery. After the war, he became actively involved in socialist political groups and quickly rose to power, establishing himself as the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. In 1924, Hitler led a coalition of nationalist groups in an attempt to overthrow the Bavarian government in Munich. The famous attempt, known as the Munich Beer Hall Putsch, failed.