Comandant of Auschwitz

Discussion in 'Books, Films, TV, Radio' started by Wise1, Nov 15, 2005.

  1. Wise1

    Wise1 There We Are Then

    I read this with great interest some time ago, Rudolph Hoess was the commandant of Aushcwitz, from a very simple background he joined and rose within the ranks of the SS. Removed frm Auschwitz in 1943 only to return later to finish the work he once started.

    He was taken prisoner by the British and ordered to write his autobiography during his trial.

    This book is exactly that, his autobiography as penned by him. Much is to be believed but much equally not depending on how well you know the history of the camp and the holocaust.

    His meeting with Himmler still puzzles me to this day, I still dont think the truth is really out there regarding all that was discussed.

    However, If you really want to read a couple of hundred pages of pure arrogance and stupidity then here is your book!

    Very gripping if unbelievably horific piece of work.
     
  2. Kiwiwriter

    Kiwiwriter Very Senior Member

    He wrote a lot of it after he was sentenced to death, so there is no question about the veracity of the document. By that time, he had nothing left to lose, so he told the truth. Nor did he claim, as deniers say, that he was tortured by the British...he said they took care of him properly.

    The memoirs reveal a cold, arrogant, narrow man, with a high sense of obedience and duty, but little morality.
     
  3. robbie

    robbie Junior Member

    I bought a copy of this book yesterday in Ottakers and stayed awake half the night reading it. It certainly is interesting to read Hoess' point of view but I do think that he minimises the effects of the camp on the internees, especially the Gipys. Do others agree?
    Robbie
     
  4. Marina

    Marina Senior Member

    I expect that's how they coped - they seem to have minimised everyhting. Bset example of this I know is from Gitty Sereny's book about Albert Speer. He ignored what was under his nose and took many years finally to admit what happened.
    Marina
     
  5. Exxley

    Exxley Senior Member

    I wonder if any of you have been able to read this book :

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000CIZCF/026-0676259-0761253

    Death is my Trade, by Robert Merle ( "La mort est mon métier", in French).

    Anyway, this is a terrific and terrifying rewriting of Hoess's memoirs, and Merle is quite successful IMHO in filling the gaps in Commandant of Auschwitz.
     
  6. angie999

    angie999 Very Senior Member

    From other sources I have read, I think that Hoess's memoir does contain some factual errors, perhaps not surprising considering that he wrote from memory and without access ro records.
     

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