Mein Kampf (
English:
My Struggle) is a book by
Adolf Hitler (pictured). It combines elements of
autobiography, an exposition of
Hitler's political ideology, and a history of the early
Nazi movement. Volume 1 of
Mein Kampf was published in 1925 and Volume 2 in 1926. Hitler began the dictation of the book while imprisoned for the
Beer Hall Putsch in November 1923. Though Hitler received many visitors earlier on, he soon devoted himself entirely to the book. Once released from prison on 20 December 1924, Hitler moved back to the picturesque mountainous climes of the
Obersalzberg. While he was in power (1933–45),
Mein Kampf became available in three common editions: the first, the
Volksausgabe or People's Edition; the
Hochzeitsausgabe, or Wedding Edition, and; the
Tornister-Ausgabe. A special edition, known as the
Jubiläumsausgabe, or Anniversary Issue, was published in 1939 in honor of Hitler's 50th birthday. The book could also be purchased as a two-volume set during Hitler's reign, and was available in soft cover and hardcover.
Mein Kampf is known as a work of
Nazi propaganda that promotes
nationalism,
militarism,
anticommunism, and
anti-Semitism, and today is
censored in many countries.
