The Plot: The Secret Story of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion
by Will Eisner
Norton, 160 pp., $19.95
Will Eisner was one of the most influential graphic artists of the 20th century. He pioneered the graphic novel form, and his life partially inspired Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Sadly, Eisner passed away in January, but not before he finished what might be his finest effort. The Plot uncovers the origins of the most infamous and most inflammatory anti-Semitic documents of all time. Originally published in Russia in 1905, The Protocols have been used to justify oppression and even obliteration of Jews by Tsar Nicholas II, Henry Ford, Adolf Hitler, present-day Arabs, white supremacists, and many others. All this despite the fact that the document was a hoax. The Protocols tells the story of a purported Jewish conspiracy to control the world. The hoax was first revealed by the Times of London in 1921 and on many more occasions, yet the damaging articles are currently in print in many languages and are used by hate groups throughout the world as an illustration of the “Jewish menace.” This exquisitely rendered graphic novel is divided into two sections. The opening two-thirds recounts the history and events surrounding The Protocols, including detailed evidence of the hoax. The latter part follows Eisner as he researches and uncovers the full origins of what Umberto Eco in his introduction dubs “The Big Lie.” The novel concludes with visions of what The Protocols means in our contemporary world. It’s not pretty. Eisner once again demonstrates the power of the graphic form in his interpretation of this controversial and disturbing aspect of history. In his afterword, historian Stephen Eric Bronner describes The Plot as “a fitting legacy [to] a long and distinguished career.” I couldn’t agree more.This article appears in June 10 • 2005.