Mario Giordano (born 25 June 1963) is a German journalist, author, and former television presenter. He is best known for his work in the German media industry and for his best‑selling nonfiction books that explore historical and contemporary topics.
Early life and education
Giordano was born in Alzey, West Germany. He pursued studies in political science and journalism, graduating with a degree that facilitated his entry into the German press.
Career in journalism
Giordano began his professional career as a reporter for the German daily newspaper Bild in the early 1990s. He later joined the editorial staff of the weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, where he contributed investigative reports and feature articles. In the late 1990s, Giordano transitioned to television, becoming a presenter and news analyst for the private broadcaster RTL. He hosted several news programs and political talk shows, gaining a reputation for direct interviewing style.
Literary work
Giordano achieved significant commercial success as an author. His most prominent work, Der Nazi, der seine Schuhe verlor (English: The Nazi Who Lost His Shoes), published in 2015, is a narrative reconstruction of the life of German police officer Hans-Joachim Hamann, who served in the Einsatzgruppen during World War II. The book combined historical documents with fictionalized elements and spent multiple weeks on the German bestseller list. Subsequent titles include Die Schatten der Macht (2017), a political thriller, and Bunker 23 (2020), a historical novel set during the Cold War.
Controversies and public reception
Giordano’s blending of factual history with fictional storytelling has drawn criticism from historians who argue that his approach may blur the line between scholarly research and popular literature. Despite these critiques, his books have been widely read by the general public and have contributed to public discourse on Germany’s Nazi past.
Personal life
Giordano resides in Frankfurt am Main. He is married and has two children. His interests include contemporary German politics and historical research.
Selected bibliography
- Der Nazi, der seine Schuhe verlor (2015)
- Die Schatten der Macht (2017)
- Bunker 23 (2020)
References
- German National Library catalogue entries for Mario Giordano.
- Publishing records from Hoffmann und Campe Verlag.
- Articles in Der Spiegel and Der Tagesspiegel documenting Giordano’s media career.