Berlin Dance of Death by Helmut Altner. The harrowing experiences of a young man conscripted into the Wermacht in the spring of 1945 and of his experiences in the defence of Berlin during the final collapse of the Third Reich. Stomach churning detail that means that you can “walk the book” even today.

The Fall of Berlin by Anthony Read and David Fisher. This is a book that has been in print for over 10 years now, but given the recent spate of books on the subject, deserves a further visit. This book is not about war, nor is it a “war book”. It is a book about the citizens and city of Berlin and the apocalyptic climax to the war that ended with its almost total destruction.

If you want a book to read as an introduction to the subject, or enjoy reading social history, then I have no hesitation in recommending this one. It is also the first book I have ever read for a second time. I now read all books at least twice!

Berlin 1945 The Final Reckoning by Karl Bahm. A good coffee-table book with good illustrations. It was my introduction to the subject.

Race for the Reichstag by Tony le Tissier. An excellent book of a trio by our expert guide around Berlin. Very much on the campaign side so for enthusiasts and gamers only.

The Colditz Story by PR Reid. The original “Colditz” book written by the British Escape Officer who got out in1942. The book has been variously re-written to include events up to the end of the war but this was the original and I bought it in the Colditz Castle bookshop. Nuff said.

Frederick the Great by Nancy Mitford. A nice little book as an introduction to the subject. Somewhat variable on the quality of detail provided, although the military campaigns are surprisingly well covered. I bought this in Schloss Charlotttenburg. (Nancy’s sister Unity was a friend and fan of Hitler and shot herself soon after war was declared).

Frederick the Great by David Fraser. Well reviewed by others but still to be read!

When I was a German by Christabel Bielenberg. Story of an Englishwoman who married a German who was friends with Peter Yorck and Adam von Trott zu Solz, both of whom were implicated in the July 20th plot and were executed at Ploetzensee. Luckily it all turned out ok for the authoress and her family. An interesting book which reveals quite a lot about the attitude of the German people. Still true today!