The story of Erik Jan Hanussen (pseudonym), a Jewish psychic popular in pre-World War II Germany, lends credence to the saying that truth is stranger than fiction. The story of Hanussen’s rise and fall serves as the vehicle for an exploration of the political, cultural, and economic climate in Berlin, as well as high-ranking Nazi functionaries’ fascination with the occult. During Hitler’s rise to power Berlin was a city drenched in propaganda, intrigue, escalating violence, and overwhelming fear.
Hanussen was a gifted observer with keen powers of concentration, able to “read” body language and facial expressions. He was an expert magician. He built his own reputation by bombast, or self-promotion, cleverly playing on the dis-equilibrium of the time — as did Hitler. Hanussen’s mind reading displays were theatrical and aided surreptitiously by associates in the audience. He was highly intelligent, resourceful, and charming, and cultivated the people who could enhance his stature and security.
This detailed recounting takes readers behind the scene into the life of a Jewish man in prewar Germany who was attempting to be Hitler’s “court Jew” and thereby ensure his own safety. The extent of Hanussen’s relationship with Hitler remains unclear; as the author says, “.… history is messy.“
This book explores the often repeated rumor of Hitler’s obsession with and dependence upon the occult. A complementary reading choice to The Nazi Seance is In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larssen. Notes, preamble.
Nonfiction
The Nazi Séance: The Strange Story of The Jewish Psychic in Hitler’s Circle
- Review
By
– May 16, 2012
Naomi Kramer is a retired reading consultant teacher who developed curriculum for using literature to educate children and adults in the history of the Holocaust. She is a docent and educator at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Education Center of Nassau County.
Discussion Questions
Jewish literature inspires, enriches, and educates the community.
Help support the Jewish Book Council.