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Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization
 

Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization

by Nicholson Baker

Bestselling author Nicholson Baker, recognized as one of the most dexterous and talented writers in America today, has created a compelling work of nonfiction bound to provoke discussion and controversy -- a wide-ranging, astonishingly fresh perspective on the political and social landscape that gave rise to World War II.
Human Smoke delivers a closely textured, deeply moving indictment of... (read more)

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Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

Mike Mather
  • Rated 5 stars

“This is a collection of snippets that tell the story of the war, the personalities of the players, and the behind the scenes machinations across the world. A brilliant argument against the war by its main protagonists.”

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Didn’t Like It

Gill W
  • Rated 1 stars

“Very disappointing. A collection of out of context raw material juxtaposed to support a naive, pacifist position. The whole profession of history is to give context to raw materials. Amateurish.

Even the signature quote used for the title, Human Smoke, is attributed to Franz Halder speaking from imprisonment in Auschwitz. Halder was never in Auschwitz or any other extermination camp. He was in a concentration camp which was a very different kind of place. Putting his observation into...”

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Community:
  • Rated 3.789474 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 0 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • Gill W

    gill w said:

    “Not recommended. The author takes raw material out of context to try to build a case for pacifism. THis is precisely what historians do not do. Their profession is about putting things in context. When you do what Baker does, you get nonsense. Also some of the quotes are attributed incorrectly, most notable the one from Halder which gives the book its title. Baker puts the setting for the quote in Auschwitz. Halder was never there. This puts the quote in a false context, as though Halder were referring to the Final Solution, which he clearly was not, and is typical of the whole book. Save your money.”

    posted Tuesday, August 26 2008
  • annamstamp

    annamstamp said:

    “I wanted to read this. I read the reviews with growing interest. I admire Baker and am fascinated by the "dark valley" of the 30's that led the world into the cataclysm of WWII.

    I admire Churchill and knew he would get a critical look in this book.

    That said, I wasn't able to make it very far. Some of the "facts" are blatantly untrue. He also takes the quotes and letters and articles out of any context.

    I want to make myself read it..but not sure I can.”

    posted Sunday, April 27 2008
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