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Human Smoke

The Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization

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Human Smoke

Written by: Nicholson Baker
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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About this listen

 Human Smoke delivers a closely textured, deeply moving indictment of the treasured myths that have romanticized much of the 1930s and '40s. Incorporating meticulous research and well-documented sources---including newspaper and magazine articles, radio speeches, memoirs, and diaries---the book juxtaposes hundreds of interrelated moments of decision, brutality, suffering, and mercy. Vivid glimpses of political leaders and their dissenters illuminate and examine the gradual, horrifying advance toward overt global war and Holocaust.

Praised by critics and readers alike for his exquisitely observant eye and deft, inimitable prose, Baker has assembled a narrative within Human Smoke that unfolds gracefully, tragically, and persuasively. This is an unforgettable book that makes a profound impact on our perceptions of historical events and mourns the unthinkable loss humanity has borne at its own hand.

©2008 Nicholson Baker (P)2008 Tantor 20th Century Wars & Conflicts World Military War Imperialism Holocaust Winston Churchill Submarine Royalty Prisoners of War King Franklin D Roosevelt Interwar Period
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What the critics say

"Serious and conscientious.... An eloquent and passionate assault on the idea that the deliberate targeting of civilians can ever be justified." (The New York Times)
"This quite extraordinary book---impossible to put down, impossible to forget---may be the most compelling argument for peace ever assembled." (Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman)

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Different take

Moving book. A different perspective at odds with history I was taught at school. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Captivating

What a powerful and eye-opening book. In many ways challenged my understanding of the reality of WWII, and informed my understanding of the world today as well.

I wish more history books were this objective - in the sense that it is pretty much a collection of quotes, speeches, news articles and diary entries that deliver astute snapshots of the era. They come from a variety of perspectives. Together they weave a narrative, one that does a lot more justice to the pacifist ethos than I'm used to seeing in WWII related material. I would argue this work reveals the motivations and thought processes of the rulers of the era with ruinous clarity in a way nothing else I've read about WWII has.

Listening in 2021 - the parallels you can draw to what's unfolding around us today are more than a little disturbing. It makes me wish Ghandi was still around, speaking truth to the madmen in charge.

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