A personal account of an inspiring figure in recent history, who was willing to stand up uncompromisingly for morals and political beliefs in the face of personal detriment. The author paints a picture of a hard-working, upright yet socially awkward man, who used his brilliant professional skills as a lawyer in the German courts to the utmost in pursuing justice against acts committed by the Nazis.

It is with the benefit of hindsight that we judge these same acts as criminal, and it is even more striking then that Hitler himself was put on the witness stand, only to be acquitted by the German courts of any wrongdoing. It is saddening to imagine how the course of history might have been changed had the outcome been different.

In the latter part of the book, Litten himself pays the ultimate price - being thrown into concentration camps as an act of personal revenge by Hitler, and the numerous failed attempts for his release by his family members and close friends. This is an inspiring tale in the highest degree - of courage, perseverance, principles and sacrifice by this man and those around him who he influenced. ( )

Just a little at a time. Apparently a horrific story of a dedicated lawyer who had brought Hitler to trial before 1933. It does not go well after 1933 for him.
And, yes, halfway thru the book, Hitler has been made Chancellor, the Reichstag fire, the Enabling Act, and Litten is one of the first 5000 to be rounded up. It's the Spring of 1933 and the story becomes absolutely horrific. This continues for five more years. (I am reading this very, very slowly.) This took me just about a year to read; a little every once in awhile. Utterly powerful. Excellent. ( )

During a 1931 trial Hans Litten grilled Hitler in a brilliant and merciless three-hour cross examination, forcing him into multiple contradictions and evasions and finally reducing him to helpless and humiliating rage. Hitler would never forget this,having Litten arrested and held in various concentration camps where he was brutally beaten. (A frightening look at how Nazis came to power and what is happening to the US.) ( )