On a recent book tour through Nevada and Arizona I learned many readers wanted to know more about the "real history" behind my story in Silent Coup. In responding to this, I will answer specific questions on my blog and also add an annotated bibliography to my web site. If you have a question send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send a question to my blog.

One woman asked me: Was Paul von Hindenburg really senile when he appointed Hitler Chancellor? A good question since Hindenburg's dislike of Hitler was well documented as was his vow that he would never appoint Hitler.

Hindenburg's Senility

By late 1931 several reliable sources had reported instances that revealed Hindenburg was showing serious decline in his mental faculties. These reports included times when Hindenburg did not recognize his closest associates in government and times he was too confused to understand a simple letter concerning state matters. However, many around him denied it for several reasons. Hindenburg was the most popular person in the German government and many on both sides of the political isle felt his presence was necessary to hold the country together. Many in government simply used his popularity to maintain their own power. Some also claim that there was a threat of scandal surrounding the Hindenburg Neudeck family estate and that this was part of the reason Paul's son, Oskar joined in pressuring Hindenburg to appoint Hitler chancellor.