Sebastian Haffner: A Life in Witness

Sebastian Haffner, the pseudonym of Raimund Pretzel, was a German journalist and historian renowned for his insightful and often critical analyses of 20th-century German history, particularly the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. Born in Berlin in 1907, Haffner’s life was irrevocably shaped by the tumultuous events he witnessed and later meticulously documented.

Initially destined for a legal career, Haffner’s early experiences exposed him to the growing undercurrents of nationalism and antisemitism that plagued Weimar Germany. He qualified as a lawyer but refused to serve in the Nazi-controlled legal system. This act of defiance, coupled with his growing disillusionment, led him to flee Germany in 1938, settling in England where he adopted the name Sebastian Haffner to protect his family still residing in Germany. He began writing for British newspapers and journals, offering valuable insights into the inner workings of the Nazi regime for an English-speaking audience.

His first book, “Germany: Jekyll & Hyde,” published in 1939, presented a chilling portrait of the duality of the German national character, arguing that the same nation capable of producing great art and philosophy could also descend into barbarity. This work established him as a perceptive and provocative commentator on German affairs.

After the war, Haffner returned to Germany and continued his career as a journalist and author. He worked for various publications, including The Observer and Stern, and became a prominent voice in the German intellectual landscape. He became known for his clear, accessible writing style and his willingness to challenge conventional interpretations of history.

Perhaps his most enduring and influential work is “Defying Hitler: A Memoir,” published posthumously in 2000. Written in 1939 but not published during his lifetime, this remarkable memoir offers a deeply personal account of Haffner’s growing awareness of the Nazi threat and his decision to resist. It portrays the insidious creep of totalitarianism and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary Germans. The book resonated profoundly with readers, offering a visceral and compelling perspective on a pivotal period in history.

Haffner’s later works include “The Meaning of Hitler,” a critical examination of Hitler’s motivations and the factors that enabled his rise to power, and “From Bismarck to Hitler,” a comprehensive overview of German history from the late 19th century to the end of World War II. Throughout his career, Haffner remained a critical observer of German society, consistently urging his readers to confront the past and learn from its mistakes. His legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to truth, his ability to connect historical events to contemporary concerns, and his powerful voice of conscience in a world often marred by indifference.