Description
Among the most controversial of Nazi publications was a book for children, published in 1938 under the title Der Giftpilz—or The Poisonous Mushroom. Here, the perceived Jewish threat to German society was portrayed in elemental terms. Ernst Hiemer, put together 17 short morality stories intended to warn children of the dangers allegedly posed by Jews. Jews were depicted as conniving, thieving, treacherous liars who would do anything for personal gain. Though aimed at children aged roughly 8 to 14, Hiemer’s lessons were intended for all readers. Long out of circulation, and banned in Germany and elsewhere, this historic edition reproduces full color artwork by German cartoonist Philipp Rupprecht (“Fips”). The book was repeatedly cited at the Nuremberg Trials as evidence of “Nazi cruelty,” and was used by prosecutors to justify a death sentence for its publisher, Julius Streicher. If only for the sake of history, the reading public should have access to one of the more intriguing and notorious publications of the Third Reich. Edited by Thomas Dalton. Softcover, full color, 72 pages, #1000.
