Ewoud Kieft

Ewoud Kieft (b.1977) is a writer, historian and musician. He wrote four historical books, about the attraction of war and extreme nationalism in Europe during 1900-1918, the attraction of the nazi movement during the 1920’s, the role of intellectuals during the 1930’s in the Netherlands, and on the way the Holocaust has been remembered in dutch literature after 1945. His books have reached broad audiences and critical acclaim, and were nominated for several of Hollands major literary prices. Kieft’s book on War Enthusiasm in Europe during 1900-1918 shows how members of Europe’s cultural elite of the early twentieth century transformed into militant radicals who glorified war. His latest work “The Forbidden Book” examines the success of Hitler’s Mein Kampf when it was published. Kieft shows convincingly that Mein Kampf is not simply a relic. Its methods and techniques can still have disastrous consequences. In his lecture at the Kochi International Festival of Books and Authors, Kieft will reflect on the parallels – and differences – between nationalist politics in Europe during the first half of the twentieth century, and the worldwide success of present-day nationalist movements.