Hitler's War

Military historian Hoyt allows that Hitler ""showed real brilliance'' in his initial military victories but that defeat was inevitable as early as 1942 because of the virulent nature of his anti-Semitism (the most important, according to Hoyt, of the several reasons he offers), because of the declaration of war against the Soviet Union and because of his failure to make full use of the U-boat to starve Britain out of the war. Hoyt also argues that if the Western Allies had stood up to Hitler before 1939, ``he would have been forced into collapse.'' The swift but surface-skimming narrative revolves largely around the relationship between the Nazi leader and his military staff, particularly the loss of confidence and finally the loss of loyalty on the part of key generals and admirals. Quoting liberally from Hitler's speeches, writings and private statements, Hoyt traces the Fuhrer's failing ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy and his increasing faith in doubtful or even nonexistent superweapons. Among Hoyt's previous books are Kamikazes and America's Wars. Photos. (April)