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Total number of comments: 2 (since 2010-01-05 16:34:56)

guywalters

Website: http://www.guywalters.com/

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  • Deconstructing Simon Wiesenthal
    • guywalters January 9, 2010 at 7:12 am

      Dear Lawrence

      You still make a number of errors.

      1. The book was published on July 30th and not June 18th. That may seem pernickety, but bringing my publication forward by over a month adds to your 'campaign' theory.
      2. Finkelstein's article did not appear in The Times. It appeared in the Jewish Chronicle. (your para 2. you get it right further down.)
      3. The Wiener Library is under no obligation to respond to criticism of Simon Wiesenthal. Why should it? They are not part of some cover up - it's just not really in their remit to investigate the man.
      4. Daniel Finkelstein would be the first to admit that he no credentials per se in Holocaust Studies. He is a political writer.
      5. The events in Vienna have NOTHING to do with my book, and cannot be seen as some sort of 'fallout' from my book.

      In short, I don't think the events, such as they are, surrounding my book really support your argument. I was concerned that when writing about an important figure such as Wiesenthal, my criticism might offend people who hold him to be dear. As a relatively unknown author, I therefore thought it wise to declare that I wasn't an antisemite and to set out my credentials as an impartial historian. I would have done this had I written a book about any 'saint' held dear by any community.

      So far, and this point is extremely important, I have found the Jewish community to be immensely tolerant of my book, and I have received not word of complaint from any Jew.

      Best wishes

      Guy

    • guywalters January 6, 2010 at 4:12 am

      I just thought I should point out that there are some inaccuracies in this piece, which I have discussed on my website at link to web.mac.com

      Guy Walters

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