The SS: Alibi of a Nation, 1922-1945

I'm reading Reitlinger's book now, having read several others on Nazi germany and the SS. I now know where much of the material from later works have come from ... it is this book. If this is the first real book on the SS it is an extraordinary achievement by the author - in the detail, its readability, and the author's ability to put together the complex and evil web of the SS apparatus, without being difficult or depressing to read (as many others are). Truly stands the test of time. I can hardly believe the comments of a recent reviewer, maurice9, and would urge potential readers to ignore it. A brillant book, easily best in its class.