Book Review. "This latest account of the rise to power and collapse of the Nazi dictator is neither exceptionally good nor exceptionally bad. It is eminently readable, in spite of Robert Payne's penchant for literary flourishes and summations which sometimes do not ring altogether true. . . What is urgently needed is a competent study of the 'political' Hitler, one which would place him and his frightening successes in a perspective more relevant to current and future events and challenges."