Book: Insanity Fair

Introduction and Background
"Insanity Fair" is a book written in 1938 by British journalist Douglas Reed. Reed was a foreign reporter for The Times newspaper in London, covering occasions unfolding in Europe during the 1930s. The book is Reed's observations and analysis of the political, social, and financial circumstance in Europe leading up to World War II. What sets this book apart from others on the topic is Reed's insight and warnings about the threats of Adolf Hitler's rise to power and upcoming war, written at a time when lots of still hoped that dispute could be averted.

Hitler's Germany
The book starts with a stark portrayal of Hitler's Germany. Reed witnesses a speech by the Nazi leader and is instantly struck by Hitler's charm and magnetism, in addition to the fanatical commitment of his fans. Reed describes the country as a breeding ground for war, with a gradual and intentional disintegration of democracy, human rights, and journalistic freedoms.

Reed warns against undervaluing the danger posed by Hitler's program. In particular, he condemns the policy of appeasement, which had been embraced by the British federal government and others at the time. Reed sees this technique as not just useless however likewise harmful, as it makes it possible for Germany to continue uncontrolled in its mission to control Europe and rebuild its military strength.

Increase of Fascism and Authoritarian Regimes
Besides Germany, "Insanity Fair" likewise covers the spread of fascism throughout Europe, highlighting the increase of Benito Mussolini in Italy and authoritarian programs in Spain, Hungary, and Romania. Reed pays particular attention to the Spanish Civil War, documenting the harsh violence and damage that resulted from the conflict in between the Spanish Republicans and General Francisco Franco's Nationalists.

Reed recognizes the quick increase of reactionary motions across the continent as a symptom of broader social and economic problems. He argues that these groups are driven by hatred and desperation, taking advantage of a disillusioned and downtrodden population struggling to recuperate from the effect of the Great Depression and the long lasting effects of World War I.

Western Democracies: A Failed Response
While much attention is provided to the growing threat of authoritarian regimes in Reed's story, he also criticizes the absence of decisive action taken by the democratic countries of Europe. Britain and France, in specific, are painted as weak and indecisive, reluctant to withstand the encroachments of Germany and Italy.

Reed is especially vital of the British federal government's negligence in handling Germany, recommending that they bear a heavy responsibility for the circumstance at hand. He derides the policy of appeasement as not only morally incorrect but likewise tactically disastrous, as it emboldens the totalitarians and their programs to act with increasing aggression and contempt for the international order.

Reed goes on to decry Britain's unpreparedness for war, citing the inadequate state of the nation's military and the complacency of its political management. It is a cooling warning given the subsequent events of World War II.

Insanity Fair: A Frightening Vision of the Future
Eventually, "Insanity Fair" provides a dark and scary picture of pre-World War II Europe. The title recommends that the continent was on a march towards madness and damage, and Reed's composing serves as an immediate appeal for countries to recognize the danger presented by Hitler's Germany and other authoritarian routines.

Reed's book was a considerable influence on popular opinion at the time, rallying lots of to take action versus the rising tide of fascism. Tragically, as history would reveal, his cautions went mainly unheeded up until the complete scale of the Nazi danger became clear with the outbreak of World War II. "Insanity Fair" works as both a chilling presage of the scaries that were to come and a stark reminder that we need to always be vigilant versus the forces of tyranny and injustice.