The Beast Reawakens
| Author | Martin A. Lee |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Neo-Nazism |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
Publication date | 1997 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| Pages | 546 |
| ISBN | 0-316-51959-6 |
| OCLC | 36066018 |
| 320.53 | |
| LC Class | JC481.L43 1997 |
The Beast Reawakens (later prints carried the subtitle Fascism's Resurgence from Hitler's Spymasters to Today's Neo-Nazi Groups and Right-Wing Extremists) is a 1997 book by investigative journalist Martin A. Lee, in which the author discusses old-guard fascists' strategy for survival and the revival of fascism since 1944. Special attention is given to ODESSA actions during the Cold War, international fascist networks, and political inroads to the right-wing mainstream.
Contents
The book opens with a quotation from T. E. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1922), a favorite of Hitler's favorite commando, SS-Standartenführer Otto Skorzeny. A large portion of the book focuses around Skorzeny, and Lee traces the development of several "personalities" as a throughline from classical to neo-fascism.[1]
The author discusses old-guard fascists' strategy for survival and the revival of fascism since 1944.[2] Special attention is given to ODESSA actions during the Cold War, international fascist networks, and political inroads to the right-wing mainstream.
Background and publication history
Martin A. Lee is an American investigative journalist.[3] The Beast Reawakens was published by Little, Brown and Company in 1997.[3] Routledge published a revised paperback in 2000.[4]
Reception
Joshua Rubinstein, reviewing the book for The New York Times, called it "a vivid survey of fascist resurgence throughout Europe".[5] Publishers Weekly described it as a "compelling, intelligent investigation, which reads more like a thriller than a history lesson",[6] while Library Journal praised it as a "compelling work", especially in light of recent developments in militia movements.[1] A review in Shofar gave a more mixed review, with reviewer David Meier calling its thesis "a disappointment" for the discerning reader, though entertaining.[3] The Sunday Telegraph also disagreed with its main thesis, though called it "far better at the margins", praising its account of the ties between Nazis and government officials.[7]
References
- ^ a b Noble, Dennis L. (1997-06-01). "The Beast Reawakens". Library Journal. Vol. 122, no. 10. New York City. p. 114. ISSN 0363-0277.
- ^ Bill Weinberg, "The Beast Reawakens" (review), The Nation, July 14, 1997.
- ^ a b c Meier, David A. (1999). "Review of The Beast Reawakens". Shofar. 17 (2): 153–155. ISSN 0882-8539. JSTOR 42942882.
- ^ "Martin Lee". Grove Atlantic. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ Joshua Rubinstein, "Hitler's Legacy", The New York Times, September 21, 1997.
- ^ "The Beast Reawakens". Publishers Weekly. 244 (23). New York City: 32. 1997-06-09. ISSN 0000-0019. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ^ "More neo than Nazi". Sunday Telegraph. London, Greater London, England. 1997-08-10. p. 42. Retrieved 2025-06-19 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
- Introduction to The Beast Reawakens by Martin A. Lee.