Until 1938, Hitler might have been simply a ruthless dictator whose 'reforms' included purging Germany of communists and socialists and removing Jews from public life. In this masterly new work, acclaimed historian Giles MacDonogh explores the moment when Hitler gambled everything. Until 1938, Hitler could be dismissed as a ruthless but efficient dictator, a problem to Germany alone; after 1938 he was clearly a threat to the entire world.