In the Shadow of Auschwitz: German Massacres against Polish Civilians, 1939–1945 by Daniel Brewing (review)

Abstract

to their combative tone and censorious style, many of the texts are closer to historical journalism than to academic debate—but this feature makes them also more interesting to read. Only rarely does Winkler correct himself, such as by admitting his reluctance to distance himself from post-nationalism so as to embrace national unification during the peaceful revolution of 1989/1990 (232). The overall impression of these polemical interventions is therefore somewhat mixed. The volume recalls many of the key controversies during the last decades, which transformed German historiography into a progressive direction by what Georg Iggers called “the social history of politics.” But several of the texts have a somewhat nostalgic feel because the issues they address—such as the Historikerstreit—have been resolved and seem no longer as pressing as they once did. Moreover, the presentation of the essays struggles with a double chronology which is sometimes confusing: On which historical epoch do they comment and in what context were they written? Younger scholars might also wonder why there is not more engagement with gender questions, transnational approaches, or global issues that fascinate the current generation. But perhaps recalling once again that it took sharp disputes to overcome a poisonous nationalist tradition is enough of an achievement of which to be proud. Konrad H. Jarausch, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill