37 pages • 1 hour read
The Butcher's Tale: Murder and Anti-Semitism in a German Town
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Book Brief
272
Book • Nonfiction
Konitz, Germany • 1900s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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
675 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
675 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gustav Hoffmann
Gustav Hoffmann
The town’s Christian butcher and a family man, perceived as respectable and beyond suspicion in the murder case, though theories circulate about his involvement.
Adolph Lewy
Adolph Lewy
A Jewish butcher in Konitz, whose quiet demeanor and outsider status make him the subject of suspicion and antisemitic hostility during the murder investigation.
Bernhard Masloff
Bernhard Masloff
A bricklayer who becomes a counter-witness in the case, presenting testimonies that incriminate the Jewish community, while facing scrutiny due to his dubious reputation.
Anna Ross
Anna Ross
The mother-in-law of Bernhard Masloff, who also testifies against the Jewish community, and shares a reputation for dishonesty in the town.
Wilhelm Bruhn
Wilhelm Bruhn
A journalist with a background in antisemitic media, who seeks to influence public opinion and the direction of the investigation in Konitz through his publications and involvement.
Inspector Johann Braun
Inspector Johann Braun
A Berlin detective investigating the case in Konitz, known for his experience and dedication to uncovering the truth amidst local tensions and antisemitic pressures.
272
Book • Nonfiction
Konitz, Germany • 1900s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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