Some Jews here are worried about the forthcoming Italian edition of Hitler’s autobiography, “Mein Kampf”, which they fear could be damaging even though the volume will contain a preface by the noted Jewish historian, Prof. Max of Frankfurt who was himself a victim of Nazism.
The unabridged Italian translation will be published by Longanesis, a publishing house which says the book is intended for historical research and notes that a British edition of “Mein Kampf” was published recently by Hutchinson in London. But Jewish circles here say that unlike the very expensive London edition, the Italian version will be within the price range of most ordinary books and available to a large section of the public These Jews claim that political life in Italy has been “radicalized” and much of the population is susceptible to demagogy from various sources. They are not convinced that Prof. Horkheimer’s preface would prevent the misuse of anti-Jewish and other nazi slogans contained in the book. Residual rights to “Mein Kampf” reside with the Bavarian Government which can request an injunction or seize the book if it is published without their approval.
An earlier Italian translation of “mein Kampf” was published several years ago by the neo-Fascist newspaper La Sentinella D’Italia in Monfalcone, near Trieste. It was published however in the principality of San Marino to avoid conflict with Italian laws prohibiting Fascist activities. Some Jews here believe Prof. (Horkheimer’s preface is intended for the same purpose.
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