Language:
English
Year of publication:
1999
Titel der Quelle:
Contemporary European History
Angaben zur Quelle:
8,2 (1999) 249-273
Keywords:
Goldhagen, Daniel Jonah.
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Historiography
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
Abstract:
Contends that the lack of originality and the academic shortcomings of Goldhagen's book are evident and have been highlighted by many scholars, both in Germany and the USA. The media attention and the controversy surrounding the book seem disproportionate to its actual scholarly value. The reception of this work can be compared with that of William L. Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" in 1961-62; the books have much in common - e.g. both were provocative, they adhered to the theory of Germany's uniqueness, and they became bestsellers. Queries how Goldhagen's book, which attracted so much criticism, became a bestseller, especially in Germany. This can be explained by media hype and a widespread fascination with the Nazi era, but even more by its simplistic monocausal conception, attracting the mass reader. Some critics note that despite the book's academic weakness, it has a positive effect on Germans because it makes them confront the Nazi past. Expresses doubt that the book has even this value.
Note:
Appeared also in "Holocaust; Critical Concepts in Historical Studies" VI (2004).
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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