Kommandant in Auschwitz

The introduction by Broszat (pp. 7-21) describes Höss's imprisonment and interrogation before his trial in Poland, during which the autobiography was written, as well as the history of the manuscript and its publication. Analyzes Höss's personality, as reflected in the memoirs and in his testimony at the Nuremberg Trials, noting his matter-of-fact description of the most horrifying events. Comments that Höss in no way fits the popular image of a mass murderer; he was an efficient, conscientious administrator who loyally carried out orders, seemingly unaware of their criminality despite his complaints on the effort required to overcome his feelings and his occasional sentimental reflections on the victims. Pp. 23-151 contain Höss's autobiography; pp. 153-167 his account of the history and organization of Auschwitz; and pp. 167-182 his reminiscences of Heinrich Himmler.