A consuming fire: Encounters with Elie Wiesel and the Holocaust

by John K. Roth

"At his encouragement, I tried to write a book that is less about him and more about life as I have found it thus far. I have produced neither a biography, a literary analysis, nor even a philosophical critique of his writings, anymore than I have written a history of Holocaust events. Instead I wanted to see what would result by weaving two strands my own Christian experience and my reading of the Holocaust via his books. This writer (Wiesel) has changed my life, and my utmost thanks for his friendship must be that I try always to make that change a blessing. Thus, the outcome of my reflection is shared in the hope that it may assist others to venture in similar ways and to find new determination to thwart absurdity and indifference." -- John K. Roth, from Preface

191 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

John King Roth is an American-based author, editor, and the Edward J. Sexton Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College (CMC) in Claremont, California. Roth taught at CMC from 1966 through 2006, where he was the founding director of the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights, which is now the Mgrublian Center for Human Rights. Best known for his contributions to Holocaust and genocide studies, he is the author or editor of more than fifty books. In 1988, he was named the U.S. National Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.