It combines elements of autobiography with an exposition of
Hitler's political ideology. Volume 1 of Mein Kampf was published in
1925 and Volume 2 in 1926.The book was edited by the former Hieronymite
friar Bernhard Stempfle who later died during the Night of the Long
Knives.
Hitler began the dictation of the book while imprisoned for
what he considered to be "political crimes" after his failed
Putsch in Munich in November 1923. Though Hitler received many visitors
earlier on, he soon devoted himself entirely to the book. As he
continued, Hitler realized that it would have to be a two-volume work,
with the first volume scheduled for release in early 1925. The prison
governor of Landsberg noted at the time that "he [Hitler] hopes the
book will run into many editions, thus enabling him to fulfil his
financial obligations and to defray the expenses incurred at the time of
his trial."