Mein Kampf Flying Off the Shelves in Germany
Image by Getty Images
Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” — presented in a new critical edition clocking in at almost 2,000 pages — is proving to be a runaway success at the bookstore in Germany, selling more than 85,000 copies and going into its sixth print run a year after its publication.
The new edition, released by the Munich-based Institute for Contemporary History, came out after the Bavarian government’s copyright on the book recently lapsed. Germany had used that to prevent new editions of “Mein Kampf,” which it worried could spur neo-Nazis.
The Institute for Contemporary History brought together an impressive group of scholars to annotate the volume, adding in copious notes about Hitler’s mistakes and lies, in addition to other relevant historical detail.
Andreas Wirching, the director of the institute, told the Associated Press that the new edition had not encouraged modern-day haters, but rather illuminated Nazi ideas in an age of an ascendant far-right.
“On the contrary, the discussion about Hitler’s world view and how to deal with his propaganda offered the opportunity to look at the disastrous roots and consequences at a time when authoritarian political ideas and right-wing slogans are again gaining followers,” he said.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
