Lying About Hitler: Establishing Historical Truth in the Halls of Justice
“What is historical objectivity? How do we know when a historian is telling the truth?” These fundamental inquiries lie at the heart of Richard Evans’s compelling work, “Lying About Hitler.” In a meticulous examination of the landmark Irving v. Lipstadt libel trial (for which he served as an expert witness), Evans skillfully addresses these profound questions, using this high-stakes legal battle as a captivating lens through which to explore the very essence of historical accuracy and integrity.
At its core, “Lying about Hitler” is a gripping exposé of David Irving, a prolific writer and self-proclaimed historian who had, for years, propagated beliefs related to Holocaust revisionism as well as the idea that Hitler was unaware and even actively in opposition to the liquidation of the Jewish people. Irving, referred to by historian Peter Hoffmann as “a great obfuscator,” enjoyed accolades from several writers, even those who recognized his heterodox historical perspectives. For instance, Michael Howard, formerly Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford, who Evan’s quotes as stating that Irving was “at his best as a professional historian demanding documentary proof for popularly-held beliefs.”
Evans illuminates how small distortions, selective skepticism, and cherry-picked facts can be skillfully woven into a seemingly sound narrative. He provides concrete examples, such as Irving’s biased decisions on what to include and omit from Goebbels’s diary when establishing Hitler’s “lack” of knowledge in regards to the liquidation of the Jews, selective criticism of reported death numbers in the Dresden bombing, and the presentation of already debunked “evidence” for a lower Holocaust death toll. Evans meticulously dissects Irving’s claims and arguments, systematically dismantling his credibility by analyzing the manipulation and distortion of historical evidence. The book shines as an example of how rigorous scholarship can be used to combat the distortions of Holocaust deniers and revisionists.
In the broader context of Holocaust revisionism and efforts to combat it, “Lying about Hitler” stands out as a unique contribution. Numerous books have addressed this topic, in fact the inciting event of the libel case that sits at the center of “Lying About Hitler” was the release of one such book, “Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory,” by Deborah Lipstadt. However, Evans’ trial setting offers distinctive conditions for engaging with this kind of discourse. “Lying about Hitler” provides readers with a selection of some of the most significant chapters from Evans’ original seven-hundred-page document prepared for the trial, as well as offering a condensed yet comprehensive look into the events of the trial itself.
One of the book’s strengths is its lucid and compelling narrative. Evans, an esteemed historian himself, demonstrates a remarkable ability to translate complex historical and legal proceedings into storytelling that engages the general reader. He expertly guides readers through the intricacies of the trial, making it easier to comprehend the nuances of the legal battle and the historical context in which it unfolded.
Evans compellingly argues that the courtroom, despite initial speculations to the contrary by journalists and commentators, proves to be in some ways a uniquely well-suited space for engaging in discourse on historical accuracy. Unlike television settings or academic conferences, the courtroom allows for extended periods of argumentation, including over small yet critical details. The absence of page limits, which often restrict comprehensive coverage in books, enables the assembly of thorough expert reports. In court, opponents are compelled to answer questions under oath, ensuring that they cannot evade or deflect queries with irrelevant responses, as can occur in other settings. In the words of Evans himself, “In many respects the High Court turned out to be a good place for settling the historical and methodological points at issue in the Irving case”.
Despite the author’s impressive efforts to bring non-experts along the book occasionally falters in its readability, especially when immersing the reader in the intricate details of the trial proceedings and dissecting the minutiae of David Irving’s flawed arguments. For some, these sections may prove arduous to navigate, potentially posing a barrier to engagement. However, it’s essential to emphasize that the book’s complexity serves a broader purpose. It compels readers to grapple with the same intricacies that historians face when assessing historical accuracy and integrity. While challenging, these sections ultimately contribute significantly to the reader’s comprehension of the meticulous and rigorous scholarship required to confront historical revisionism effectively.
“Lying about Hitler” is a vital and compelling work that not only exposes the fallacies of Holocaust denial but also underscores the importance of truth, accuracy, and responsibility in historical research. It serves as a testament to the power of scholarship in the face of historical manipulation and denial. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, the Holocaust, or the broader challenges of confronting falsehoods in our society. Richard Evans has crafted a masterpiece that reaffirms the critical role of historians as guardians of truth and memory.
