The Conspiracy of the Carpenters
$2.75 By SIMON & SCHUSTER
POLITICAL and philosophic ideas in a fictional country modeled after Germany here form a long and somewhat difficult novel. It is basically the account of the rise to power of Hitler’s fictional counterpart, Dr. Urban, who believed that “there is no guilt in aggression and no innocence in defense.” But Urban’s power is checked by the conservative government and its League of Carpenters, who uphold the things of the spirit against Urban’s materialism. Unfortunately, though there is much excellent reasoning and writing, the whole is not compelling as fiction or easily recognizable as the re-creation of fact.. The characters are not immediately identifiable with German leaders; they often appear to be bloodless political marionettes. But the story of the Carpenters’ opposition to Urban and his Gas House Boys is an interesting and thoughtful picture of “the road not taken” in Germany.