Now at last in a single, abridged paperback - the definitive life. Ian Kershaw's two-volume biography of Hitler was greeted with universal acclaim as the essential work on one of the most malign figures in history. Now this landmark biography is available in one single, abridged edition, tracing the story of how a bitter, failed art student from an obscure corner of Austria rose to unparalleled power, destroying the lives of millions and unleashing Armageddon.

Ian Kershaw was Professor of Modern History at the University of Sheffield from 1989 - 2008. His books include The 'Hitler Myth', his two volume Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris and Hitler 1936-1945: Nemesis, and Fateful Choices. He was knighted in 2002.