Letters from Nuremberg: My Father's Narrative of a Quest for Justice

by Christopher J. Dodd, Lary Bloom, Michael Prichard

In the very first stages of the Nuremberg Trials, Thomas J. Dodd was a low-ranking staff lawyer, so ignored by the legal hierarchy that he contemplated resigning. It didn't take long, however, for the cross-examination skills of this Connecticut native to be recognized; he became the number two prosecutor, participating in the cases against Göring, Hess, von Rippentrop, and others. Despite these busy proceedings, Dodd somehow carved out time to write detailed nightly letters to his beloved wife, Grace. These historic, previously unpublished missives form the basis of this book by his son, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Christopher Dodd. They constitute a timely document.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Holocaust, Biography Memoir, Biography, Germany

MP3 Book

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Christopher John "Chris" Dodd is an American lawyer and Democratic politician currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

Dodd is a Connecticut native and a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland, and Providence College. His father, Thomas J. Dodd, was one of Connecticut's United States Senators from 1959-1971. Chris Dodd served in the Peace Corps for two years prior to entering law school at the University of Louisville, and during law school concurrently served in the United States Army Reserve.

Dodd returned to Connecticut, winning election in 1974 to the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut's 2nd congressional district and was reelected in 1976 and 1978. He was elected United States Senator in the elections of 1980, and is now the longest-serving Senator in Connecticut's history, the 9th most senior of current Senators and one of three from the 1980 freshman class who are still serving.

Dodd served as general chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1995 to 1997. He currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. In 2006, Dodd decided to run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, but eventually withdrew after running behind several other competitors.

Reviews

[Russell Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. My interests in WW II pertain mainly to what happened with the Jews and in particular as to what was going with the Nazis in a detailed deep way. The simple offhanded way this matter s treated typically is "Oh the the Nazis were evil and this was a tradgedy lets not let it ever happen again". IN other words there is an underlying unspoken psychology that is typically being deployed without you realizing it. Its a sort of distancing them from us because ethat makes us feel comfortable. As long as we are nothing ike them then we feel comfortable and o.k. I have long been suspicious of this notion because it doesn't mesh with what has panned out in human history. There is a reason that such a large mass of people were involved in such a wicked act and it cant be chalked up to some sort of aberration in human history or serious moral failing(which really should strike you as being an extremely fishy summary, because come on lets be real, a sudden mass numerical failing amongst such a large group of people? "Well its because they were inherently evil" No I don't buy that.)
At any rate I would recommend this book largely because it gives you a first hand encounter with what the NAzi top dogs were like on a human level. I found my comfort zone being rocked considerably because they genuinely don't seem that different than you an me. That is perhaps what is disconcerting the most but I think it brings you to face questions about yourself and about the nature of humanity and reality. The content comes from the interrogations of one of the chief judicial lawyers that was appointed to the case from the American side. The content is actually from love letters to his wife that he wrote during the trial telling his wife what they were actually like. His son is one that put the book together and its clear that he wanted to bring people face to face with info in a way that they wouldn't be able to access it otherwise(for most of us anyhow). It makes you realize that evil doesn't have to happen in a grand way that it can in fact run through our own hearts if you aren't careful.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read some excellent books in 2008, but this is probably the best non-fiction work of the year for me. One one level, it's a pretty straightforward read; other than an explanatory preface and some notes, this is simply a reprint of letters from one of the lawyers at Nuremberg (Christopher Dodd's father, Thomas Dodd ) writing home to his wife. Seems simple enough, really.

But this was Nuremberg, and Thomas Dodd not only had a front row seat for the proceedings, he was also a strong advocate for the position that a full, fair and legal trial for the defendants was an absolute necessity. He agreed wholeheartedly with Justice Jackson (head of the American delegation) when he said:

"That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to Reason."

Tom Dodd's letters provide a deep insight into the process of pre-trial interviews, cross-examinations, and judgments that ultimately resulted in the death or long imprisonment of almost all the defendants. In this era of the Global War on Terror, where we have decided to sometimes eliminate the use of the legal process in favor of more "direct" means, the reminder that the highest-ranking surviving members of the Nazi party were given full trials after World War II and the Holocaust is something worth remembering and reviewing.

[Amy’s-musings · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to help you understand The trials, this isn't it. The interesting things of substance are few and far between and not worth trudging through the repetitive questions and comments to his wife about life at home. The first couple of letters were cute, but I'm not sure I could have endured those letters from my husband for a year. There is much better literature out there and far better ways to learn about the trials.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is an interesting enough footnote, but that's all. Christopher Dodd is still unhappy about his father's censure, and there is some tendentious re-fighting of that. And while it is true that he was a participant in one of the great historical events of the 20th century, Dodd Senior was not really all that reflective. Plus we get a lot of how much he missed the (undoubtedly) estimable Mrs. Dodd and his children. Meh.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains letters from Thomas Dodd (then a 38-year-old lawyer; later a U.S. senator) to his beloved wife Grace. I read it in the wake of a visit to the Palace of Justice. I was interested in Dodd's perspective on trials. The letters reflect his experience from day to day, sometimes with defendants, sometimes with courtroom personnel, and often with procedure and social life.

I was also interested in his experience of living as an American citizen in Nuremberg just after the war -- the horrible living conditions in Europe in general and Nuremberg in particular as well as the fact that he lived in requisitioned housing, first in Zirndorf, then in Dambach.

If you're looking for details about the trials (testimony, evidence, etc.), look elsewhere.

[Ilene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on the Nuremberg Trials as related by Tom Dodd - with the prosecution team at the Nuremburg Trials. While the info about the trials was quite fascinating, the repetitiousness of the personal part of the letters - became just a tad annoying after a while. Mr. Dodd Sr. was clearly a man of principle, but without much sense of humor. His love for "Grace, my dearest one" and his toddler- school-age children shone through brightly .Because he was so principled I find it sad that his political career later came crashing down on him.

[Olgui Mayorca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó este libro. Una historia amena que permite conocer a sus protagonistas y comprender su relación a la distancia. Me gustó la ética de trabajo de M. Dodd, su relación con los participantes del proceso, su visión de los crímenes de guerra y su entrega y dedicación. Sin duda un libro a recomendar!!!

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The contrast between the evils and horrors being examined and brought to justice at the Nuremberg trials, due in large part to the efforts of Thomas J. Dodd, and Dodd's ability to write cheerfully and positively in letters to his large family at home in Connecticut is impressive and memorable.
Thanks to Dodd's son Christopher for doing this work.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely reflection on the history of our recent past. I'm less than certain that the parallels drawn between Nazi death camps and Guantanamo were fully warranted, but they do give one cause for concern.

[Alethia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read. Even not knowing Thomas Dodd, it's interesting to see the background workings of the trial and the mindset of a college-educated American White male at the time. That sounds a little bit critical maybe, but I would recommend.

[Mary Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this informative and first hand account of the inner workings of The Nuremberg Trials as told in a series of letters from Tom Dodd one of the head prosecutors to his wife Anne.Very fascinating and lots of insider knowledge.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated the background info (from the son) as to why they published the letters. A very fascinating look at a pivotal trial in world history while it was happening.

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book is self-explanatory: this book is comprised of letters that Thomas Dodd (then a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials) wrote to his wife in 1945-6 about the trials. To me, the most interesting thing about the book was Dodd's pessimism about Europe: for example, he wrote that Germany "is a woeful place, and it will be generations before there is recovery."

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the heels of reading the “Memoirs of Franz von Papen”. It was very interesting to read the perspective of one of the defendants and the prosecutor. Aside from the substance one of my first impressions is that we have lost the art of letter writing in the modern era of email, text, Twitter and Facebook. What will future generations have to judge us on our relationships, musings and thoughts? Will they even know?

Thomas J. Dodd (1907–1971) represented Connecticut in Congress and the Senate. Yet for all his success, he correctly guessed, toward the end of a year trying Nazi war criminals, that he would “never do anything as worthwhile again.” His son Christopher—who also represented Connecticut in the Senate compiled and edited the letters along with the historical commentary.

Chris Dodd and his siblings discovered the letters years after their father's death. Thomas Dodd, in more than 300 letters written almost daily to wife Grace, describes a contemporaneous account of the trial. The most vivid letters recount Dodd’s debriefing sessions with former Nazi ringleaders. Frustrated by the “maelstrom of incompetence” created by military lawyers, the civilian Dodd was ready to quit when the chief American prosecutor, Associate Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson, asked him to become second in command. Though Dodd learned to balance Jackson’s lackluster management and cross-examination skills against the justice’s integrity and eloquence, he railed against trial judge Francis Biddle for “doing the Nazi handiwork now.” This correspondence shows a highly competent and independent trial lawyer, working to exhaustion. Even Von Papen admires his skill and tenacity. His sincere and daily expression of love for the wife is touching. How easily we forget the contributions of some and even more so the life partners behind them.

[Charlaralotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skip the first part of the book and go straight to the letters that Dodd wrote his wife while working as one of the head attorneys at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial. You can hit the first part later...

I completely agree with Tom Dodd's reasons for bringing this collection out--to show that the U.S. did not always make a farce out of world justice (note Guantanamo), and that Nuremberg was a prime example of the victors restraining themselves properly.

The story of Dodd's rise from random attorney on staff of hundreds to right-hand-man of Supreme Court Justice & chief prosecutor Jackson is a great example of Emerson's admonition,"Do your work and I shall know you." Dodd at first is surrounded by military personnel who know diddly-squat about the law. As Dodd keeps saying in the midst of incredibly inept case preparations, "Meanwhile, I saw wood." He tries to keep clear of the internal politics, and it pays off for him as his talents are gradually recognized and rewarded.

Dodd's descriptions of Germany and all the ravaged countries of Europe in the immediate aftermath of WWII are wonderful. His daily quandary about the Russian role in the trial explains to some degree the resulting US fear of communism. He learns the Russians have committed just as many atrocities as the Germans, yet they are prosecuting the Germans.
At times I felt badly for his wife, as Dodd must have been a bear to live with. Talk about throwing around the guilt! Yes, he's concerned for her, but he does have an annoying way of asking, "Why can't you write longer letters?" Good lord! She's raising 5 (FIVE) children.

Also, the petty worries of Dodd about his political career back in Connecticut are amusing. One moment he says he wants a quiet life with his family. The next moment he's asking for newspaper articles about himself and hatching schemes to run for governor. Ah, we humans. Contradictory in all ways possible.

Anyway, great primary source material. Too bad Bush and his cronies will never read it.

[Kathleen Hagen]

Letters from Nuremberg: My Father’s Narrative of the Quest for Justice,
Christopher J. Dodd. Produced by Tantor Media, downloaded from Audible.com. Narrated by Michael Prichard.

Senator Dodd of Connecticut, recently found these letters written to his mother while his father, Thomas J. Dodd was a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. The Dodd siblings decided to publish these letters. The journal itself is rather disappointing reading because, most of what we learn is the ongoing petty politics that hindered and/or delayed the trials, and Dodd’s unwavering wish, stated in every letter, to get home to his wife and children. It is interesting to get Dodd’s views on the beginning of the troubles between Russia and the rest of the allies. The publisher’s note states:
Senator Christopher J. Dodd (Connecticut) presents letters his father, Senator Thomas Dodd, wrote home while serving as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials.Thomas
Dodd began his career in public service as a prosecutor at the trials. Chris Dodd recently discovered his mother's collection of letters his father wrote
during that time. Through his father, Chris Dodd learned not only the scope of the Holocaust but also the importance of the rule of law. Our World War
II allies would have preferred summary executions of the Nazi leadership, but Chris Dodd says his father and his colleagues gave "to these defendants that
which they did not give to their victims, and the world is a better place for their example".

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from the fact that this book was clearly an election ploy by Mr. Dodd, it was OK. It has some interesting "behind-the-scenes" accounts of the Nurnberg trials. But I also felt like Thomas Dodd was an extremely unreliable narrator of the story - he claimed to not be interested in politics, yet he clearly was (and indeed, became a U.S. Representative in 1952, just a few years after he came back from Germany). He claimed to not be petty, and in the next sentence, he would make petty comments about people. He just left his wife in the U.S. with 6 small kids to care for by herself, yet he complained that she didn't write long enough letters! And he didn't even put her name on his bank account so that she could pay the bills while he's away. I wasn't so impressed with Thomas Dodd and his bellyaching. And then he didn't even write letters during the parts of the trial that would've been most interesting to hear about, such as his direct examination of some of the defendants, because he was too busy to write!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a pity that Thomas Dood did not keep a diary. But maybe its best if he would have written it the same way he wrote letters. His letters to his wife Grace are tedious and repetitive. Yes, he was lonely and depressed to be stuck in post WWII Germany when it was at its worst, dealing with awful things, but it I had to read one more time how much he was homesick and missed her I would have burned the book. Finshed up just in time. Senator Dodd was given almost no information about this time from his parents but he should have tracked down a few to interview so it could have been made into a real book. The best insight into Thomas Dodd was his prattling on about not wanting to run for a politcal seat while trying to run and direct the local and state elections from Nuremberg. The man was sooo going to run for office even while repeating to his poor wife that he would never consider doing such a thing.
The best thing about the book is the name dropping tittle tattle of pompous fools trying to much up the trial and gather personal glory.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting man portrayed through letters home to his cherished wife and family. Thomas Dodd's letters give insight to the day-to-day events of the Nuremberg trials, vignettes of the assorted personalities on both sides of the bench, and of a devoted husband and father to the family he is parted from for the duration of the trial. A sharp intellect, astute observer, and focused cross-examiner, it is his love for home and family that truly defines the man. It is the small but caring acts that resonate throughout his letters home, worrying for his wife's well-being in hauling the many packages from the post office to home that will soon arrive from Europe and requesting that she approach a family friend to do it for her. What man in this day and age worries about his wife lifting a heavy package? Attentiveness and love abounds in a backdrop showing the consequences of evil - the trial of men who committed horrendous acts toward humanity.

[Phebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a subject sandwich: politics, war, politics. Toss in frustration and loneliness, and you have a summation of the book. The epistolary narrative is sprinkled with a few gems - which was my purpose for reading.

from October 7, 1945
"I pulled my hat brim down, turned my top coat collar up and discovered that I got a better reception. No cold stares but instead smiles and greetings. On the main street, particularly in the company of U.S. officers, I get ice water treatment. Some apparently look on me as a faithless German who is kowtowing to the U.S. Army."

Having compiled a few family books for various branches of my family, I understand Christopher Dodd's desire to provide a fuller, more personal perspective of his father's experiences at the trials. However, I personally do not feel enriched or better informed from the reading of this book.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is going to be the next president? Well my vote is for Cris Dodd. I always liked his position on the Iraq war and this book gives some background, a history of his father's service at the nuremberg trials through never before published correspondance to his wife. How do you spell integrity Mr Bush - never mind. The letters are very personal, some better written than others, but all establish a thread of consistant thinking. It was brave of the Senator and his siblings to publish them. They are not always politically correct and it is amazing how far we have come since they were written. It was a wonderful reading experience for me.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book about the Nuremberg trials that took place in Germany at the end of World War II. Senator Christopher Dodd's father was the assistant trial attorney to Justice Robert Jackson and these are his letters written to his wife during his time in London, then Paris, and finally Germany. They are truly wonderful letters, not only because he tells so much about his time involved in the trial but because of the love he shows for his wife and children. He really makes you feel as if you are there in Nuremberg with him and the letters also show how the trial affected him. Highly recommended for World War II buffs and those who enjoy a great piece of literary non-fiction.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important book historically, as it gives an entirely different point of view of the Nuremberg trial. The day-to-day observations and opinions of Thomas Dodd are on-the-spot reports of the backstage maneuvering, posturing generals, human egos and capabilities that you would never find in a formally written history. In spite of human weaknesses and flaws, they finally pulled it together and conducted a fair trial for all the world to see; and, they documented the Nazi atrocities for all time. Definitely a must read for people who are interested in the final disposition of the Nazi criminals.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating subject but I thought there would be more about the actual trial. Most of the letters were too repeptitive. I find it ironic that there was a statement about how people got bored with the trial (when they kept reading documents aloud) and how it shook things up when he displayed the lampshades and the skull. That's how I felt about the letters. I realize there were things from the trial he could not share but I expected some significant revelations on background info, not questions about household tasks.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't the best book on the trial I've read, but it did give some insight into the prosecution side of things and how one lawyer (at least) felt about the US prosecutors he worked with, as well as how the army and the prosecutors from Britain, France, and the Soviet Union handled things. A bit too much of Dodd's homesickness and yearning for his wife for my taste, but his isolation helped him have to describe events for his wife back in Connecticut.

[Rae Hittinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am listening to this on CD . It is like reading someone's diary - and getting the inside scoop on the Nazi regime all at once. It is a very nice book to read at the same time as the Devil's Doctor. It adds humanity and a compelling personal narrative. The beginning intro is a little dry- but still powerful.

I ended up returning this to the library before completion. I plan to get it out when I have more time to listen. I highly recommend it to others.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting glance into history, based on the letters home to his wife from one of the chief prosecuters at the Nuremberg war-crime trials at the end of WWII. Details of life in Germany by the occupation forces, the tensions between the Allied parties, and the defendents, as well as the politics of the trials.

[Nicole Marble · Rating 4 out of 5]

The letters are fascinating - something younger readers need to know about WWII and the immediate days after the war in Europe. The letters should be paired with re-reading Vonneguts 'Slaughterhouse Five'. But Chris Dodd should have cut a lot of extraneous stuff - needs lots of editing.

[Meri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. I got incredibly tired of hearing "Grace, my dearest one". Not to mention I find what happened during the Nuremburg Trials far more intriguing than what Dodd had for dinner. Unfortunately, Christopher thought we would benefit from this information.

[Doug Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was much better written than I expected from Dodd. It's the story of his Father who was one of the main prosecutors at the Nuremberg trials after WWII. Interesting story and insights into some of the Nazis on trial.