Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization

Challenging and intriguing

This book is a must read for anyone wishing to educate themselves on WWII specifically or war in general. In fact, as one who has read many books on WWII and WWI, I would suggest that this book should be read first. It would provide the student with a solid foundation on which to gauge the veracity of the popularly held historical narrative. Although I think very highly of this book there is one glaring fault which prevents me from giving it a solid five stars. Whether through lack of available material (which I hope is the case) or through an agenda, the coverage of the role of Stalin and the Soviet Union is barely mentioned. Otherwise, this is a must read.

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A pacifist look at the 'Good War'

Baker's Human Smoke is a unique format for a history book. Composed of excerpts from first hand accounts of what both the men in power and the powerless experienced, Human Smoke is one of the first works that chooses not to celebrate the 'righteousness' of the Allies. Baker barely interupts the flow of accounts, leaving the words of those who lived and died to form his argument. He shows the follies of both sides and leaves the reader with some interesting what if? scenarios. Did the actions of Churchill exacerbate the suffering in continental Europe during the war? Did America become involved not due to some noble defense of liberty and life, but for mere monetary and political reasons? Baker raises these questions and more yet chooses not to explicitly answer them. While this is somehwat frustrating at first, his message becomes clearer as the reader progresses. Pacifist sentiment permeates the book and underlines the utter futility of war. Human Smoke is a great new look at a subject that has become inundated with bland, jingoistic, celebratory drivel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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