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37 pages 1 hour read

The Butcher's Tale: Murder and Anti-Semitism in a German Town

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Helmut Walser Smith

The Butcher's Tale

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Konitz, Germany • 1900s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Butcher’s Tale by Helmut Walser Smith examines the 1900 murder of Ernst Winter in Konitz, Prussia, leading to widespread, baseless accusations against the town's Jewish residents of ritual murder fueled by antisemitism. Smith explores the historical context of such charges and their impact on the Jewish community, detailing events and societal mechanisms that perpetuated violence and discrimination.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Informative

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

675 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Butcher's Tale by Helmut Walser Smith offers a compelling narrative of a historical murder case, praised for its meticulous research and insightful analysis into the roots of anti-Semitic violence. While some critics find the detailed examination a bit dense, the book is largely lauded for its engaging writing and thought-provoking content.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Butcher's Tale?

A reader who enjoys The Butcher's Tale by Helmut Walser Smith likely appreciates meticulously researched history, true crime, and explorations of social psychology. Fans of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City or Simon Schama’s Citizens would find this book’s detailed narrative and historical context compelling.

4.0

675 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Konitz, Germany • 1900s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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