Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View Reviewed by Norm Goldman of Bookpleasures.com
- By Norm Goldman
- Published May 8, 2023
- History
Norm Goldman
Reviewer & Author Interviewer, Norm Goldman. Norm is the Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com.
He has been reviewing books for the past twenty years after retiring from the legal profession.
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Author: Tom Hutton, MD,PhD
Publisher: Texas University Press
ISBN: 978-1-68283-166-3
Tom Hutton’s book, Hitler's Maladies and Their Impact
on World War II: A Behavioral Neurologist's View explores
the impact of Adolf Hitler’s physical and mental illnesses on his
political behavior. This well-researched and comprehensive
examination sheds new light on one of history’s most infamous
figures.
Drawing from historical sources and medical reports,
Hutton provides a “medical biography” of Hitler, delving into his
various health issues, such as syphilis, heart disease, and
Parkinson’s disease, and their potential influence on his actions
and leadership style.
What truly sets this book apart is
Hutton’s ability to seamlessly blend medical analysis with
historical context, offering a comprehensive understanding of
Hitler’s life, from his early years and adolescence to his rise to
power and military campaigns.
Hutton, an esteemed neurology
expert trained under the renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Alexander
Luria, brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject. With a
distinguished career in neurology, including serving as the president
of the Texas Neurological Society and holding academic positions such
as professor and vice-chairman at the Department of Medical and
Surgical Neurology at the Texas Tech School of Medicine, Hutton’s
expertise shines through in his meticulous research and insightful
analysis.
The book is divided into chapters that cover
different aspects of Hitler’s health, including his digestive
problems, heart condition, drug abuse, and mental illnesses such as
anxiety and depression. Hutton’s writing is clear and accessible,
making complex medical concepts easy to understand for readers who
may not have a background in medicine.
In addition to
exploring Hitler’s health, the book delves into intriguing topics
like Hitler’s possible Jewish ancestry, challenging claims that his
grandfather had Jewish roots. While there are rumors, the evidence
presented by Hutton does not definitively support these claims,
leading historians to generally agree that Hitler’s immediate
family did not have Jewish ancestry.
Another thought-provoking
chapter focuses on the impact of Hitler’s declining physical and
mental health on his decision-making. Hutton argues that factors such
as Hitler’s drug use and deteriorating mental state played a
significant role in his ill-fated decision to launch Operation
Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, in 1941. However, the
author acknowledges the complexity of the topic as historians
continue to debate the extent to which these factors influenced
Hitler’s actions. It is crucial to note that Hitler’s ideology,
driven by his perception of communism as a grave threat and his
desire to eliminate “Judeo-Bolshevism,” also played a significant
role in his decision. Pursuing resources, securing Germany’s
eastern border, and preventing a potential Soviet offensive further
contributed to his choice.
Several chapters of his work
examine Adolf Hitler’s Parkinson’s disease and its potential
impact on his cognitive abilities and the outcome of World War II.
Chronic bowel syndrome and Parkinson’s disease are widely
recognized as the most prevalent illnesses that afflicted Hitler.
Hutton suggests Parkinson’s disease likely shortened Hitler’s
lifespan, hindered his mobility, and served as a persistent reminder
of his declining health and mortality. However, the precise influence
of Parkinson’s disease on Hitler’s cognitive performance and its
role in shaping the course of the war remains a subject of ongoing
debate among historians and medical professionals.
Hutton
also offers readers a valuable organizational tool in the form of a
chronology that encompasses Hitler’s health, social, political, and
military status. This chronology serves as a framework, enabling
readers to comprehend the timeline and interplay of these
interconnected elements. By examining Hitler’s health alongside his
actions, decision-making processes, and the broader historical
context, readers can better understand how his well-being potentially
influenced and intersected with his roles as a leader and military
strategist during World War II.
The book is further enriched
with several illustrations that not only make it visually appealing
but also improve its accessibility for readers.
In summary,
Hitler's Maladies is an enlightening and engrossing read that
provides valuable insights into the intersection between Hitler's
physical and mental health and his political decisions. Hutton's
expertise and seamless blending of medical analysis and historical
context make this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking
to comprehend the complexities surrounding Adolf Hitler and his
tumultuous era. Hutton takes a rigorous and academic approach to
analyzing the available date, which includes medical records from
Hitler's personal physician, accounts from his staff, and other
historical sources.
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