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 Jewish threat to German society was portrayed in the most simplistic and elemental terms. The author, Ernst Hiemer, put together 17 short vignettes or morality stories intended to warn children of the dangers posed by Jews. Jews were depicted as conniving, thieving, treacherous liars who would do anything for personal gain. "Avoid Jews at all costs," was Hiemer’s underlying message.
Though aimed at children aged roughly 8 to 14, Hiemer’s lessons were intended for all readers—older siblings, parents, and grandparents. Following Hitler’s lead, and not without justification, Jews were presented as a profound threat to German society; they had to be shunned and ultimately removed from the nation, if the German people were to flourish.
Long out of circulation, and banned in Germany and elsewhere, this new edition reproduces a work of historical importance—including 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.
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Reviews
Firstly having a piece of treasure like this translated into my native tongue is an amazing thing for english speaking history lovers and book collectors regardless of ideology.
Being a fan of poetry, a nice touch would have been to have included the same original rhymes in German just so see how they flow but that's really nit-picking an excellent job at bringing original German books to an English speaking audience.
The lessons themselves are a little blunt as propaganda and as said by others probably could do with more elaborations to make them more interesting to older children in the aimed age range. The illustrations add a touch that harks of drawings from said era but also give that visual addition that aids children's ability to comprehend the message.
Never the less I'm thankful to be able to own such a book I understand.
The chapters are not full stories. They would have been more effective if written as proper stories. For instance, the chapter about the farmer starts off with the farmer being mad at the Jew but no explanation why. If someone bought this to explain the problem with Jews to children, they would need to fill in the blanks about usury and high interest rates and farmers losing their land to the banks. Some chapters are more effective propaganda than others.
But it's a good buy for people who like to collect historic documents and are interested in that era. The art work is nice.
Received the book on time and as described. This book contributes to the historical understanding of the first half of the 20th century, and how it migh apply to current society. It also shows how public schools can influence students, as they do so today in many different ways.
Excellent book! I read this to my kids every night and they love it!
Excellent book! I read this to my kids and they love it!