Historian Who Lived Across From Hitler Dies at 100

Edgar Feuchtwanger, a German-born British historian, passed away on August 22nd at his home in Winchester, England. He was 100 years old. As a Jewish child growing up in Munich during the 1930s, he had a unique perspective on the Nazi Party's ascent, witnessing it through the daily life of one of his closest neighbors, Adolf Hitler.

In 1929, when he was only five years old, Hitler used the profits from his book, "Mein Kampf," to purchase a nine-room apartment directly across the street from the Feuchtwanger family in their affluent Munich neighborhood.

The Feuchtwangers were a distinguished Bavarian Jewish family. Edgar's father, Ludwig, was a lawyer and book publisher. His uncle, Lion, was a renowned playwright and novelist, known for his sharp critiques of the Nazis. His 1930 book, "Success," satirized the party and its leader.

Despite their proximity, Hitler seemed unaware of the family living across from him.

Dr. Feuchtwanger recounted a particular encounter that occurred shortly after Hitler's election as chancellor in 1933.