David Irving’s research methodology heavily relied on the acquisition of original documents from participants and witnesses of historical events, particularly those related to Nazi Germany and World War II. This pursuit was a decades-long effort, often involving considerable difficulty and strategic maneuvering to access records held by archives, individuals, and institutions. The scarcity and sometimes deliberate withholding of these documents formed a recurring theme in Irving’s diaries and correspondence.
Irving believed that the conventional narratives surrounding historical events were often distorted or incomplete, and that access to primary source materials was essential for uncovering the "truth." His efforts to collect documents were driven by a desire to challenge established interpretations and present what he considered a more accurate account of history. The process was frequently hampered by bureaucratic obstacles, personal rivalries, and the reluctance of individuals or organizations to release sensitive information.
* 2023: Richter obtained permission to photocopy documents, and Winifried Baumgart received a diary entry from Albrecht, but seemingly made no effort to obtain a related record Albrecht authored, raising questions about the conventional narrative. * 2023: Albrecht possessed a "commemorative transcript" of Hitler's August 22, 1939, address, which would have increased the number of known records by several, but has not been seen since 1959. * 2017: Irving mentions reports suggesting Hitler escaped and lived until at least 1955, based on released JFK assassination documents, expressing skepticism but acknowledging the need to examine them. * 2021: Irving notes an instance where Dr. Elke Fröhlich discouraged a researcher from speaking with Kurt Frank Korf due to Irving’s perceived “disreputable” reputation. 2023: Irving expresses interest in Mussolini’s papers, inquiring about their content while working on Volume III of Churchill's War*. 2023: Irving searched for a specific document related to Chapter 20 of Hitler's War*, contacting the Library of Congress (LOC) without success. * 2022: Irving attempted to obtain reports and photos from Russian archives regarding U-relocations, seeking assistance from researchers/archivists. * 2017: Irving expressed interest in documents related to Dr. Glyn’s participation in the Himmler post-mortem examination. * 2019: Irving reflects on his own journey of questioning established narratives and learning to admire aspects of Hitler’s actions, highlighting the importance of source documents. * 2023-2024: Irving references a Dutch committee investigating compensation for Jewish survivors of the war, noting the significant loss of life and the subsequent benefits act. * 2022: Irving sought a signed copy of a special edition of one of his books. 2021: A reader expressed gratitude for Irving's work, mentioning Hitler's War* and noting a signed copy from a 1991 visit to Buenos Aires.
Irving’s document collecting was not merely about acquisition; it was a strategic process aimed at challenging established narratives. The disappearance of Albrecht's transcript, the reluctance of some researchers to cooperate, and the difficulty in accessing certain archives suggest a deliberate effort to control the historical record. His interest in unredacted documents indicates a desire to see the full, unfiltered picture, even when it contradicted prevailing interpretations. The increasing reliance on Russian archives in 2022 suggests a broadening of his search for alternative perspectives.
Hitler's War Goebbels Churchill's War David Irving's Research Methodology
* diary_2023 * diary_2017_oct_nov * diary_2021 * diary_2023 * diary_2023 * diary_2022_jan_jun * diary_2017_may_oct * diary_2019_jan_may * emails_2023_2024 * diary_2022_jan_jun * diary_2021