The book very much in vein of John Laughland books "Travesty" and "A History of Political Trials". In fact, I learned about the Kirsten Sellars book from the latter work of Mr Laughland.
This is a rare sub-genre of literature - and extremely intelligent layman gets to the bottom of a difficult legal issue and presents it in a way that illuminates everyday news for other intelligent laymen.
Ms Sellars starts with an exceptionally able exposition of a highly delicate topic - fatal flaws in the organisation and conduct of the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals. It is hard to address the issue honestly, and not to incur into an even slight apology of the defendants. Ms Sellars manages the feat. The moral credibility of the author is impeccable. After reading it, your take on the tribunal on former Yugoslavia or a proposed tribunal on the Malaysian Boeing will never be the same.
Textual analysis of some basic documents, such as the UN declaration on human rights, is never boring, mercifully short and always illuminating. Again, you will read articles on international relations with a new understanding.
The book is easy to read. At the same time, the style is not condescending, and does not assume that the reader is a juvenile idiot to be indoctrinated. Rater, one is treated as a respected and intelligent friend on whom the author imparts the benefits of research and analysis.
You will also begin to question some of the orthodoxies in play since the very beginning of WWII.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Top reviews from other countries
advokat
illuminating treatment of delicate issues
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2015
