2026 Reading Challenge
Storm of Steel

Questions About Storm of Steel

by Ernst Jünger

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Answered Questions (2)

Why is this book rated so highly? It glorifies war to such an extent that it was even used as a medium for propaganda during the Third Reich by the Nazis.
Sam It's rated high for lots of reasons, but your question seems to be really asking "why is this book rated so high even though it appears to glorify war…moreIt's rated high for lots of reasons, but your question seems to be really asking "why is this book rated so high even though it appears to glorify war?"

Junger is a voice for an era that is hard to imagine for modern people. Soldiering had been a respectable profession (in Britain) or so entrenched in society through conscription (France and Germany/Prussia) that it permeated the way people of that time thought. Almost non-existent in Western society today, a sizable portion of populations of numerous nations supported war not just as a way to further national interests, but as a way to ensure that moral and ethical standards were maintained. Without war, materialism and consumption would cripple or destroy society as they knew it.

To cast off this book simply because it glorifies war or violence would ignore that it stands as valuable piece of history that helps us understand the way some felt about the savage conflict in which they found themselves.

Also, Junger denounced the Nazi's and refused to lend his considerable respect and admiration of the German people for Hitler or Goebell's propaganda purposes. Although Junger felt strongly about German identity, Junger was not a Nazi. He did serve as an officer for the Wehrmacht, spending much of the War in occupied Paris. (less)
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Would this book be too hard to read for a 14 year old? My little brother is a history buff, about an average reading level for his age.
JD I am sure plenty of 14 year olds have read this book through out the ages. Especially during the 1920s and 1930s there were probably plenty of young r…moreI am sure plenty of 14 year olds have read this book through out the ages. Especially during the 1920s and 1930s there were probably plenty of young readers since this was a popular memoir at the time. (less)
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