David Irving

David Irving at Brentwood 1955

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-13774, Adolf Hitler

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-C16768A, Hans Heinrich Lammers

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R99621, Heinrich Himmler

David Irving appearing on "After Dark", 28 May 1988

David Irving is a controversial figure known for his works on the history of World War II and the Holocaust. Born on March 24, 1938, in Hutton, Essex, England, Irving has been a polarizing author and speaker, often at the center of public and legal disputes concerning freedom of speech and historical revisionism.

Early Life and Education

David Irving's early life was marked by a keen interest in World War II history, influenced by his father's service in the Royal Navy. He attended Imperial College London, studying physics, though he did not complete his degree. Irving's early career began with writing works of fiction and non-fiction, gradually focusing on the historical narratives of the Second World War.

Career

Irving gained attention in the 1960s with his book The Destruction of Dresden (1963), which detailed the Allied bombing of Dresden in February 1945. His ability to unearth new sources and his narrative style won him acclaim, but also criticism for his methodology and conclusions. Over the years, Irving published several books on key figures and events of World War II, including works on Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, and the Nazi regime. His work has been characterized by the use of primary documents and personal diaries, though his interpretations have often been disputed by mainstream historians.

Controversies

Irving's reputation as a historian took a significant turn in the late 20th century due to his statements and publications on the Holocaust. He has been accused of Holocaust denial for questioning the existence of gas chambers and the systematic nature of the genocide against Jews during World War II. These views have led to widespread criticism, legal battles, and Irving being barred from several countries.

In 2000, Irving filed a libel lawsuit against American author Deborah Lipstadt and her publisher Penguin Books for calling him a Holocaust denier in her book Denying the Holocaust. The case, Irving v. Penguin Books and Lipstadt, was a landmark trial in English law. The court found in favor of Lipstadt and Penguin, concluding that Irving had indeed manipulated historical evidence to promote Holocaust denial. The judge characterized Irving as an active Holocaust denier, antisemite, and racist, who associates with right-wing extremists promoting neo-Nazism.

Later Life

Following the libel trial, Irving's career as a historian was largely discredited, and he faced financial ruin. Despite this, he continued to write and speak on historical topics, often related to World War II and the Holocaust, maintaining a following among those who share his revisionist views. Irving's later years have been marked by continued legal issues, including a conviction in Austria in 2006 for Holocaust denial, which resulted in a prison sentence.

Legacy

David Irving's legacy is deeply divisive. He is seen by some as a martyr for freedom of speech and a victim of political correctness. To others, he represents the dangers of historical revisionism and the denial of established historical facts. His career raises important questions about the responsibilities of historians, the limits of free speech, and the ways in which history is interpreted and remembered.