Justice Not Vengeance: Recollections

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

At 80, renowned Nazi-hunter Wiesenthal recalls his escapes from death in concentration camps where his family perished, and his career tracking down war criminals. The shattering account, as riveting as a spy yarn, concerns his ruthless global pursuit of hundreds of murderers and collaborators, including Adolf Eichmann, Joseph Mengele and the SS officer who arrested Anne Frank. Wiesenthal's guilt at having survived the Holocaust inspires thoughts about individual vs. collective guilt, forgiveness, expiation and other moral issues. The author expresses alarm over continuing anti-Semitism worldwide and the Neo-Nazis' denial of the Holocaust, and fears that the young's ignorance of the Jewish genocide could allow a recurrence. Photos not seen by PW. (Mar.)

Library Journal

Acclaimed Nazi-hunter Wiesenthal, now 80, recounts his life's work of bringing Nazi criminals to justice. His memoirs include chilling, representative cases pursued over the decades. He describes the painstaking detective work involved in establishing the identities of former Nazis and his dogged determination to ferret them out while working within the legal system. He shares his frustrations when legal authorities ignored his evidence, or refused to extradite. Embroiled in numerous controversies, Weisenthal vigorously defends his positions. In one surprising essay he staunchly defends the Poles. Haunted by his survival from the Nazi death camps, Wiesenthal has felt compelled to bear witness in order to perpetuate the memory of the victims. His obsession and zeal have won him worldwide admirers, so the book has a built-in readership.-- Carol R. Glatt, Northeastern Hosp . of Philadelphia correction: Edgehill Publications has in formed us that the prices given for Billy Car ter's Billy, reviewed in the December 1 is sue, were tentative. The set prices are $17.95 for the hardcover, and $8.95 for the paperbound.