This is a subject that has fascinated me since I first visited Dachau Fifty years ago in 1974, after university and at 20 years of age. Since then I have visited a number of these camps, thrice to Dachau, and, of course, Auschwitz Birkenkau many years later. I was always fascinated how Rudolph Hess, the Camp Manager could come from work at the crematoriums to have lunch with his wife and two blond kids who were playing at their swimming pool.

Hayes adds some new information and new perspectives as to why and how. Hitler could not have done this alone without the help, albeit tacit, of all of Europe and much of the United States, in some form or another including omissions.

If you have interest in what must be the most interesting twist of human behaviour of the past 100 years, this book will widen your perspective as it has mine.