Denying History

Denying History examines the phenomenon of Holocaust denial through extensive research, interviews with prominent deniers, and analysis of their methods and claims. The authors, Michael Shermer and Alex Grobman, systematically address the tactics and arguments used by those who attempt to deny or minimize the Holocaust. The book differentiates between legitimate historical revision and pseudohistorical denial through careful examination of evidence, documentation, and historical methodology. The authors present interviews with key figures in the denial movement, including David Irving, while analyzing content from their publications and websites. Beyond pure historical analysis, the work explores broader implications including free speech considerations, the psychology of extremist movements, and the role of bias in historical research. The authors demonstrate how Holocaust denial serves as a case study for understanding wider issues of historical truth and documentation. The book stands as an examination of how historical knowledge is verified and transmitted, while highlighting the importance of protecting factual history against ideologically-motivated distortion.

Readers found this book provides detailed rebuttals to Holocaust denial claims through historical evidence and methodology. Many note it serves as a reference guide for countering specific denialist arguments. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of historical research methods - Point-by-point addressing of common denial claims - Extensive documentation and citations - Focus on evidence rather than emotional arguments Common criticisms: - Too academic/dry for general readers - Some repetitive sections - Could be more concise - Assumes reader familiarity with denial arguments Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (159 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (81 ratings) Sample review: "A thorough examination of both the methods historians use and the specific evidence that refutes deniers. Not light reading but valuable for serious study." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Would benefit from tighter editing, but the methodical approach to dismantling pseudohistory is useful." - Amazon reviewer

Debunking Holocaust Denial: Arguments by Alex J. Kay This book examines specific Holocaust denial claims and provides historical documentation and evidence to demonstrate the reality of the Holocaust.

The Holocaust: A New History by Laurence Rees The text presents primary source materials, survivor testimonies, and documentary evidence that directly counters Holocaust denial narratives.

History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier by Deborah E. Lipstadt This first-hand account details the author's legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving and the presentation of historical evidence in court.

Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer The book explores the psychological and social factors that lead people to accept pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and historical denialism.

Lying About Hitler: History, Holocaust, and the David Irving Trial by Richard J. Evans The text presents the research and evidence used to refute Holocaust denial claims during the Irving-Lipstadt trial.

🔍 Michael Shermer founded Skeptic magazine in 1992 and has been a prominent voice in scientific skepticism for over three decades. 📚 The research for "Denying History" included visits to Nazi death camps, extensive archive examination, and face-to-face interviews with leading Holocaust deniers. ⚖️ The book was partly inspired by a landmark 2000 court case in London where historian David Irving sued author Deborah Lipstadt for libel after she called him a Holocaust denier. 🎓 The authors developed a six-point framework for distinguishing legitimate historical revision from pseudohistorical denial, which has since been applied to other forms of historical denialism. 🌍 "Denying History" has been translated into five languages and is used as a teaching resource in universities worldwide for courses on historical methodology and critical thinking.