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Nuremberg's Voice of Doom (Hardback)

The Autobiography of the Chief Interpreter at History's Greatest Trials

Military > Biographies Military > Frontline Books > Frontline: WWII P&S History > True Crime WWII > Hitler & the Third Reich

By Wolfe Frank, Edited by Paul Hooley
Frontline Books
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781526737519
Published: 2nd October 2018

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The memoirs of Wolfe Frank, which lay hidden in an attic for twenty-five years, are a unique and highly moving behind-the-scenes account of all that happened at Nuremberg – ‘the greatest trial in history’ – as seen through the eyes of a witness to the entire proceedings. They include important historical information never previously revealed. In an extraordinarily explicit life story, Frank includes his personal encounters, inside and outside the courtroom, with Goering, Ribbentrop, Keitel, Ley, Speer, Hess, et al. This book therefore is a unique record that adds substantially to what is already publicly known about the trials and the defendants.

Involved in proceedings from day one and used more than any other interpreter, Frank translated the first piece of evidence and concluded the trials by announcing the sentences to the defendants (and several hundred million radio listeners). This earned him the soubriquet ‘Voice of Doom’.

As an interrogator, he drew many confessions out of the war criminals including Otto Ohlendorf’s admission to ‘humanely’ killing 90,000 Jews with his mobile gas chambers.

Prior to the war, Frank, a man of Jewish descent, was a Bavarian playboy who, for over three years, managed to avoid giving the Nazi salute, even on the many occasions he was in Hitler’s presence. He was also an engineer, a resistance worker, a smuggler (of money and Jews out of Germany) and he was declared to be ‘an enemy of the State to be shot on sight’. Having escaped to Britain and been interned at the outbreak of war he successfully campaigned for his release and to be allowed to enlist in the British Army – in which he rose to the rank of Captain. Unable to speak English prior to his arrival, by the time of the Nuremberg trials he was described as being the ‘finest interpreter in the world’.

A unique character of extreme contrasts Frank was a maverick, a sybarite, a womaniser, a risk taker and an opportunist. He was also a highly intelligent man of immense courage, charm, good manners, integrity and ability. He undertook the toughest assignment imaginable at Nuremberg and he played a major role in ‘materially shortening the enormously difficult procedures by an estimated three years’.

Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom is a story of two interwoven themes: one of love, adventure and excitement; the other of a former German citizen’s fight for the right to become a British soldier and his extraordinary commitment to service, duty and justice. Whilst this book is therefore an important military record that will appeal to those interested in the history of World War II and the rise and fall of the Nazi Party, as well as being a definitive account of all that happened at Nuremberg, it is also an enthralling human-interest story that will intrigue and fascinate a much wider audience.

The Wolfe Frank Memorial: Watch the full video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZnbz7WbKi4

The Association of Jewish Refugees

★★★★★
‘A fabulous book about one of those people that seem too big for everyday life. This is an important book, a page-turner, a book that moves at fast pace, full of adventure, historical detail, and with a protagonist that even the most skilled fiction writers would struggle to improve on. Read it and recommend it. I’m sure you will. I am surprised nobody has picked up on Wolfe Frank as a subject for a movie, or even better a TV series, I’m sure if you read it you’ll be casting the movie in your head. It’s a fascinating subject’.

Olga Nunez Miret

‘Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom, The Autobiography of the Chief Interpreter at History’s Greatest Trials, as compiled, edited and amplified by Paul Hooley, is published by Frontline books and costs £19.99. Frank’s extraordinary memoirs give a fresh insight into how Hitler’s henchmen faced the hangman’s noose – and how the handsome playboy mixed his harrowing work with pleasure . . . In the book Paul Hooley’s well-researched notes are printed in a different typeface but they brilliantly fill in the blank spaces and bring order to the intriguing narrative of Wolfe’s incredible life’.

James Murray, Daily Express

‘Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom vividly brings to life the character of Wolfe Frank: refugee, soldier, playboy, Nazi hunter and Chief Interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials. Historian Paul Hooley has done a magnificent job compiling Frank’s papers to create a startling posthumous autobiography of the man who literally pronounced judgement on some of the most evil men in history. Readers will be astonished at the sheer charisma of Wolfe Frank whose sparkling personality leaps off the page in a historically important war memoir like no other. A must read to uncover a complex but wrongfully forgotten hero of the 20th Century.’

Tom Garner, Features Editor: History of War Magazine

As featured in

Blackmore Vale Magazine, 7th January 2022

As featured in

New Blackmore Vale, 15th October 2021

As featured in

Blackmore Vale Magazine, October 29th, 2021

As featured in

The Visitor Magazine (Somerset)

As featured in

The Visitor Magazine (Somerset)

Review by Dr Adrian Greaves

For anyone interested in the Nuremberg trial, and understanding how the Germans tried to claw their way out of their recent horrors of their Nazi past, this book is invaluable.

The Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society

Author interview as featured on

BBC Radio Solent, 18th February 2021

Author interview as featured on

BBC Radio Three Counties with presenter Andy Collins, 15th February 2021

News article: 'A brace of books from Frontline reveal how Nazi war criminals were tracked down and prosecuted’ as featured by

The Armourer (online)

A fabulous read, and a superb piece of
historical education, combined with great humour. I could hardly put it down! Well done on giving
this truly amazing man the recognition that he deserves, albeit after his life. Thank you for your accomplishment, ‘from a box, in the attic’. I salute you!

John Pentreath

'Voice of doom honoured with blue plaque' as featured by

Valley News, October 2019

Article: 'Former Nuremberg interpreter's home in Mere to get blue plaque' as featured by

Gillingham News, 17th September 2019 – words by Michael Streeter

★★★★★ Little known saga. This is an interesting story which has come to light just recently. One of the great examples of accidental discoveries that delight and intrigue.

Amazon Customer, Joseph J. Burke

A masterly piece of work - and an insightful record of a unique piece of military history.

Brian Carruthers

Historian Paul Hooley has written two books about Wolfe Frank who was Chief Interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials and announced the sentences of the court to the Nazi War Criminals. “Based on Frank’s memoirs and some remarkable historical sleuthing ‘Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom’ and ‘The Undercover Nazi Hunter’ are the expanded memoirs of a quite extraordinary character who was involved in incredibly dangerous stuff bringing Nazis to justice. “They are a fascinating couple of books and these stories were almost lost to history – check them out and enjoy!

Dan Snow

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GoodReads rating, Robert L. Poovey

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads rating, Andie Kirkdale

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads rating, Biryuchelli

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads rating, Akkark

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Refreshing look at an amazing man and period of history!!! This was a well written and interesting read. It made me laugh and was a great inside to an interesting part of history. It’s one of those books I would definitely read again. My husband who is very interested in war history loved this book too.

Amazon review by Amanda Connelly

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous book about one of those people that seem too big for everyday life.

This is an important book, a page-turner, a book that moves at fast pace, full of adventure, historical detail, and with a protagonist that even the most skilled fiction writers would struggle to improve on. Read it and recommend it. I’m sure you will.

Read the full review here

Author Translator, Olga Nunez Miret

Interview article 'Translating evil' as featured by

History of War, issue 65 - words by Tom Garner

As featured in competition

True Crime Library, Bulletin 508

As featured by

Blackmore Vale magazine, 15th February 2019

As featured in

International Express

It makes a cracking read... I recommend buying it.

Watch the full review here

The View From The Turret Vlog

This story and book provide a clear clear look at a another should-never-be-forgotten chapter of civilization’s modern history.

Read the full review here

John Koenig, Stuff I Like

I was at the book launch in Mere and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book and how wonderfully well it was put together. I am actually going to read it again and it is not normally the sort of thing I read. Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you for a good few hours of pleasure.

Alison Watts

These memoirs lay hidden in an attic for twenty-five years, [they] are a unique and highly moving behind-the-scenes account of all that happened at Nuremberg. A recommended read.

Castleton House, Mere

Overall it is a quality book and we definitely recommend it.

AppBuilders

I loved Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom and the way it was written. I read it over a period of four days and found it to be thoroughly interesting. It has a style that ends a chapter with the reader wanting to know more and for that reason it was hard to put down. I shall read it again and have bought copies for my sons and two other friends.

Graham Fuller

I finished the book in almost one sitting . . . An amazing tale . . . Fascinating information about an incredible man. Such an important story to tell. Both my son and daughter will be receiving a copy of Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom for Christmas.

Peter Goyert

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Incredible tale. I bought this book on hearsay from a friend. I just couldn't put it down. Saying no more. Buy it.

Bill Dimmick, Amazon Reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Incredible story, completely unexpected. I was given the book by my grandmother because she lives in the village where Wolfe Frank ended his days. I don’t think she knew him. But this is an incredible, gripping, well-written tale which I romped through in 3 days. Buy it now

Roby D, Amazon Reviewer

Nuremberg's Voice of Doom vividly brings to life the character of Wolfe Frank: refugee, soldier, playboy, Nazi hunter and Chief Interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials. Historian Paul Hooley has done a magnificent job compiling Frank's papers to create a startling posthumous autobiography of the man who literally pronounced judgement on some of the most evil men in history. Readers will be astonished at the sheer charisma of Wolfe Frank whose sparkling personality leaps off the page in a historically important war memoir like no other. A must read to uncover a complex but wrongfully forgotten hero of the 20th Century.

Tom Garner, Features Editor: History of War Magazine

This is a must read book.

Read the full review here here

Loveland Collection

The book is excellent. I couldn’t put it down. Wolfe was someone who had multi characters. He had an exciting life – a must read. Will make a great film, in the league of Schindler’s List.

Debby Chamberlain

The Memoirs of 'Voice of Doom' interpreter Wolfe Frank, who relayed death sentences to more than a dozen Nazis during Nuremberg Trials, are made public for the first time after laying hidden in a Dorset attic for over 25 years . . . these memoirs, which offer a haunting window into the past, have been released as a book, revealing the acceptance and defiance of some of history's most evil men as they prepared for the hangman's noose’.

Mail Online

Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom is an incredible read and once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. All the qualities of an excellent book

Melanie, Portland Oregon

I can tell you this – it [Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom] was wonderful. I read it on the day I bought it, taking me about fifteen hours. I couldn't put it down because it was so interesting and well written.

John Carthy

Frank’s extraordinary memoirs give a fresh insight into how Hitler’s henchmen faced the hangman’s noose – and how the handsome playboy mixed his harrowing work with pleasure . . . In the book Paul Hooley’s well-researched notes are printed in a different typeface but they brilliantly fill in the blank spaces and bring order to the intriguing narrative of Wolfe’s incredible life.

James Murray, Daily Express

A fascinating new book Nuremberg's Voice of Doom, the autobiography of Wolfe Frank, chief interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials, edited by Paul Hooley, looks at the man who was so instrumental in the trials and possibly the only person to get the most intricate details of all that went on – it is a truly remarkable story – you really don't want to miss what this book has to say.

Jewish Views

As feature in

Royal Society of St George Journal

Interview article: 'Wolfe’s sheer horror at Nazi confessions' as featured by

Jewish Telegraph, 14th December 2018 – words by Simon Yaffe

Click here to listen to author interview

NOTE: set cursor to 11:35

The Jewish Views podcast, 13/12/18 with presenter Phil Dave

The author has provided a unique insight into the war crimes trials that followed Victory in Europe- Most Recommended

Read the full review here

Firetrench

The extraordinary memoirs of the chief interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials have come to light after they lay hidden in an attic for more than 25 years, revealing for the first time some of the final thoughts of defeated Nazi leaders.

Frank's memoirs, which offer a haunting window in the past, have been released as a book, revealing the acceptance and defiance of some of history's most evil men as they prepared for the hangman's noose.

Mail Online 30/11/18

As featured in

Daily Express 30/11/18

About Wolfe Frank

Born on St Valentine’s Day in 1913 and a strikingly handsome man WOLFE FRANK was irresistible to women. Married five times he had a multitude of affairs many of which he graphically describes in his candid posthumous autobiography Nuremberg’s Voice of Doom (published by Frontline Books). In a packed lifetime, other than being a gifted linguist, he was also at various times, a businessman, racing driver, skier, theatre impresario, actor, television and radio presenter, journalist, salesman, financier, restaurateur, and property developer.


About Paul Hooley

PAUL HOOLEY was born and educated in Surrey. He founded a printing company that grew to be ranked amongst the industry’s top 1%. He has been a director of a building society, a private hospital and companies involved in advertising, publishing, entertainment, finance, building, transport, property and engineering. He retired from business in 1990 since when he has devoted much of his time to studying, writing and lecturing on a wide range of historical and military subjects. A former town and district councillor, he was Mayor of Bedford in 1978. Amongst other involvements he has been a magistrate, a tax commissioner and a prison visitor. He has been married to Helen for over 50 years, has three children and now lives in Dorset. He was appointed a MBE in 2003.

The Nuremberg war trials begin

20th November 1945

The Nuremberg war trials begin as 24 Nazi leaders are put on trial before judges representing the victorious Allied powers


Nuremberg war trials

30th September 1946

Twenty-two Nazi leaders, including Joachim von Ribbentrop and Hermann Goering, are found guilty of war crimes and sentenced to death or prison at the Nuremberg war trials


View all events View all anniversaries

Perfect Partner

The Undercover Nazi Hunter Exposing Subterfuge and Unmasking Evil in Post-War Germany (Hardback)

Wolfe Frank was Chief Interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials where he was dubbed ‘The Voice of Doom’. A playboy turned resistance worker he had fled Germany for England in 1937 having been branded an ‘enemy of the state – to be shot on sight’. Initially interned as an ‘enemy alien’, he was later released and allowed to join the British Army – where he rose to the rank of Captain. Unable to speak English when he arrived in England, by the time of the trials he was considered to be the finest interpreter in the world. In the months following his service at ‘history’s greatest trials’,…

By Wolfe Frank, Paul Hooley

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