I admit I didn't read this book for the sake of history, but because I was inspired by the personality of Albert Speer. The experience of reading the book, however, taught me everything there is to know about Germany during the second World War and especially from the point of view of Hitler's close entourage.

The inspiring bit is, I believe, the way Speer managed to keep clear of immorality and blind obedience, his confrontation with Hitler and how all this saved his life at the Nurnberg trials.