⚠️ Historical Documentation Notice
Historical Documentation Notice

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The content reflects historical perspectives and should be understood within its historical context.

The Times
New York,


LONDON — “I have no intentions, and neither is it the purpose of this trial, to refight World War II.” So declared the revisionist historian David Irving in his impassioned opening statement in High Court here Wednesday, first day of the libel case he hopes will salvage his reputation.

“It’s almost inevitable that the major focus of the case will be the crimes of the Holocaust, and whether they took place, and how they’re interpreted,” said Efraim Zuroff, director of the Israel office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem in an interview. “Any victory for Irving is a loss for historical justice and a blow to the memory of the Holocaust.”

Irving has had a curious career. Some of his works, especially “Hitler’s War” (1977), have earned

from some reviewers for the elegance of his writing and thoroughness of his research.

Irving has had a curious career. Some of his works, especially “Hitler’s War” (1977), have earned high praise from some reviewers for the elegance of his writing and thoroughness of his research.

Source Information
Original Publication: 2000-01-12
Digital Archive: Focal Point Publications
Accessed: June 3, 2026