Hess: Flight for the Führer

Hess: Flight for the Führer by Peter Padfield, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in 1991, is a comprehensive exploration of Rudolf Hess’s infamous flight to Scotland in May 1941. This first edition, comprising 370 pages, delves into the unresolved mysteries surrounding Hess’s motivations and actions, questioning whether he acted on Hitler’s orders or independently. The book examines the circumstances of his flight, the identity of the man who parachuted from the aircraft, and the implications of his long imprisonment in Berlin’s Spandau Prison.

Readers will find a detailed biography that navigates the complexities of Hess’s life and the political landscape of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. Padfield investigates the controversies surrounding Hess’s actions, including allegations of murder to silence him and the broader implications of his role within the Nazi hierarchy. This work provides insights into the personal and political dynamics of the time, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of one of World War II’s enduring enigmas.