Gerald Reitlinger

Gerald Reitlinger (1900-1978) was a British art historian and scholar who gained prominence for his groundbreaking work documenting the Holocaust and the economics of Nazi Germany. His trilogy on the Nazi era, particularly "The Final Solution" (1953), was among the earliest comprehensive studies of the systematic murder of European Jews. A trained ceramics expert and art collector, Reitlinger authored several significant works on Asian art and the art market, including "The Economics of Taste" and "South Asian Ceramic Art." His background in economics and art valuation informed his unique approach to historical analysis. Reitlinger's meticulous research methodology and use of primary sources set new standards for Holocaust historiography. His work "The SS: Alibi of a Nation" (1956) provided detailed insights into the structure and operations of the Nazi regime's security apparatus. The Reitlinger Library at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, houses his extensive collection of books and documents on Asian art, reflecting his lifelong dedication to art scholarship. His dual expertise in both Holocaust studies and art history has left a lasting impact on both fields.

Readers view Reitlinger as a detailed historian of art markets and the Holocaust, though some note his work can be dense and statistically heavy. Readers appreciate: - Deep research and documentation of Nazi crimes - Analysis of art market economics and price trends - Use of primary sources and statistical data - Inclusion of previously unpublished information Common criticisms: - Dry, academic writing style - Dense statistical passages that interrupt narrative flow - Some outdated terminology and perspectives from the 1950s-60s - Limited focus on victim experiences in Holocaust works Available ratings: Goodreads: "The Final Solution" - 4.2/5 (42 ratings) "The Economics of Taste" - 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: "The SS: Alibi of a Nation" - 4.5/5 (11 reviews) Several reviewers note the books remain valuable reference works despite their age, with one calling "The Final Solution" an "indispensable source for serious Holocaust research" despite "challenging" prose.

The Final Solution (1953) A detailed examination of the Nazi genocide against European Jews, drawing extensively from German documentation and eyewitness accounts.

The SS: Alibi of a Nation (1956) A comprehensive study of the Schutzstaffel (SS) organization, its structure, and its role in Nazi Germany.

The Economics of Taste: The Rise and Fall of Picture Prices 1760-1960 (1961) A historical analysis of art market prices and collecting patterns over two centuries.

The Economics of Taste: The Rise and Fall of Objets d'Art Prices since 1750 (1963) An examination of the market for decorative arts, including furniture, porcelain, and other collectibles.

The Economics of Taste: The Art Market in the 1960s (1970) A documentation of contemporary art market trends and prices during the 1960s period.

A Tower of Skulls: A Journey through Persia and Turkish Armenia (1932) A travel account describing the author's observations and experiences during his journey through Persia and Armenia.