Human Smoke Audiobook By Nicholson Baker cover art

Human Smoke

The Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization

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Human Smoke

By: Nicholson Baker
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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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 World War II 20th Century Wars & Conflicts Military Modern Winston Churchill World War Interwar Period Imperial Japan Africa Imperialism Socialism

Editorial reviews

At the beginning of this production, with its squibs of historical memorabilia, vignettes, diary entries, speech fragments, and the like, one worries that 14 hours of the same might be too much. But soon the shape of Baker's narrative emerges. Drawing mainly on material from the 1930s and '40s, he gives listeners a fresh look at "the good war" and the Holocaust. We hear comments from sources as diverse as Gandhi, Himmler's masseuse, ghetto occupants, and Roosevelt, who, along with Churchill, doesn't come off too well with respect to the events that took place. Norman Dietz doesn't imitate any of the well-known voices. Instead he lets the momentum build naturally, sometimes horrifyingly, sometimes poignantly, until the impact is stronger than it might even be in print.

Critic reviews

"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)
Thorough Research • Unique Perspective • Honest Historical Account • Alternative Narrative • Insightful Analysis

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A truly different approach to World War II, not just in content, but in structure and style. Human Smoke will remind you just how many sides there really are to any story.

Fascinating New Approach

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This book was mind boggling and beautifully read...

Althoguh not a history bookin the classic sense, it is a must read to understand the insanity of war...

One of the best audio books that I have enjoyed!!

A great book

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A mind expanding examination of greed, Imperialism, capitalism and the West descending into madness.

Reading this book is an epiphany.

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The vast use of primary source material makes this and truly terrifying ride to ww2

Masterful use of primary source material

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I have always loved this editorial. It juxtaposes conflicting news articles, quotes from famous and notorious figures, and worldviews from key influencers amid WWI and WWII. We must glance back at our forebears on occasion and distill not only their wisdom but their cautionary tales.

Accurate histories blossom between the lines.

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