Weimar and Nazi Germany (1918-1939): Literature in Nazi Germany

As with other forms of culture, the Nazis controlled literature. They wanted to have books which would support the ideals of the party, emphasised the successes of Germany and the beliefs of the supremacy of the German people.

To this end, the Nazis censored published books and in many cases banned the authors entirely. Books were removed from libraries, universities, and shops to be burned on bonfires. Student Nazis burned thousands of books which were seen as anti-Nazi in a huge demonstration in May 1933.

If authors wanted to produce new works, they must have their work approved by the Reich Chamber of Culture.