The author presents an engaging and very detailed account of the period from August 1932 to January 30,1933 during which Hitler and the Nazi party navigate the power struggle between multiple political parties and their leaders culminating in winning the chancellorship. Despite failing to win a popular majority across multiple elections in 1932, Hitler manages to be named chancellor. Indeed, the pro-Nazi vote count fell with each successive election. But with so many vying parties and their intransigent leaders, Hindenburg appeared to accept that he had no other choice but to bestow power upon Hitler or risk a widespread revolt from the populace.
The author utilizes a vast array of original source material including diaries, memoirs, meeting protocols, newspaper articles, and photographs. The story told is a relevant reminder that democracy is precious and takes great effort to preserve it by selfless people because it is vulnerable to destruction using its own precepts against itself.