АВТОБИОГРАФИЯ РУДОЛЬФА ХЕССА КАК ИСТОРИЧЕСКИЙ ИСТОЧНИК

Abstract

The article analyses the autobiography of the former Auschwitz concentration camp commandant Rudolf Höss written at the beginning of 1947 and evaluates its historical importance. The paper examines the history of Höss’s autobiography, raises the issue of its authenticity, and describes the basic stages of Höss’s life. The researcher identifies three key storylines traceable in the memoirs (biographical, occupational and analytical ones) and comes to the conclusion that even in the face of death, Höss did not betray the ideals of National Socialism and only partially admitted his guilt in the committed crimes.