37 pages • 1 hour read
Helmut Walser SmithThe Butcher's Tale: Murder and Anti-Semitism in a German Town
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.