"BOOK THIEVES" by Anders Rydell. "The Nazi Looting of Europe's Libraries and the Race to Return a Literary Inheritance." Translated by Henning Koch. Viking. 2017.
I'm only half way through and I am fascinated and outraged, in tears and terrified.
A very thorough and detailed account of the gradual, focused and relentless Nazi looting of all books that they encountered - whether they were in world-renowned collections, private libraries, local schools or the stack of books left on bedside tables of those who were "transported" and murdered.
As the Nazis slowly gained power, they recognized "accepted" and "unacceptable" writers. Unacceptable writers began to have trouble getting their work published. Then some book subjects were deemed "unacceptable" and they were removed from public shelves. The local Nazis suggested either sending the "unacceptable" books to their collection centers or using them to create an event to bring the "community" together.
The legendary book-burnings were carefully staged for maximum propaganda effect.
The looting gained speed and momentum.
In reality, the Nazi hierarchy created vast personal libraries including many, many rare and unique volumes for personal gain and pleasure. And, more importantly, the books were used to research and study to try to further justify and expand their murderous "cleansing" philosophy.
There is no way of knowing how many books were stolen or destroyed - estimates are well in excess of tens of millions - and only a few hundred have been returned to their original owners.
This book has meticulous and carefully researched details. Many personal interviews with various librarians, collectors and historians. Generous footnotes provide ample backup and detailed sourcing of numbers and data.
Reading this book in today's political climate is both informative and chilling.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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