Hitler’s Mein Kampf Auctioned Again in Montreal Amid Controversy

Hitler’s Mein Kampf Auctioned Again in Montreal Amid Controversy

June 14, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

The Maison des encans de Montréal is auctioning a French edition of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as Lot 71, according to the company’s website. This marks the second time in five months the auction house has listed the book, following a January sale that sparked backlash from Quebec’s Jewish community. As of Sunday morning, 19 potential buyers have shown interest, with the highest bid reaching 260 Canadian dollars.

Why is the auction of Mein Kampf causing controversy?

The sale follows a similar event in January that drew sharp criticism. Julien Corona, a spokesperson for the Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA), described the book as a “hateful document” with “morbid historical weight.”

Corona stated that such materials should not be in free circulation, particularly during a period of rapidly increasing antisemitism. The book, originally published in German in 1925, served as both Hitler’s autobiography and the political manifesto that established the foundations of Nazism.

Did You Know? Mein Kampf was first published in 1925 and contains the antisemitic propaganda and aggressive foreign policy positions that would later define Hitler’s totalitarian regime.

How does the auction house justify the sale?

Patrick Blaizel, the owner of the Maison des encans de Montréal, has defended the decision to auction the work. Blaizel stated that the goal of the sale is to “educate” and “avoid erasing history.”

Sale of rare copy of Mein Kampf raises objection from Montreal’s Jewish community

The current listing for the French translation of the book allows for online pre-bidding before the official auction takes place this Wednesday.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this situation highlights a recurring tension between the preservation of historical records for educational purposes and the ethical concerns regarding the commercialization of hate speech. The conflict pits the auction house’s stated goal of historical transparency against the community’s concern over the visibility of antisemitic texts.

What may happen as the auction concludes?

The official auction for Lot 71 is scheduled for Wednesday. The final sale price could increase from the current high of 260 Canadian dollars as more bidders potentially enter the process.

What may happen as the auction concludes?

Given the reactions to the January auction, this sale may lead to further public criticism or renewed debate regarding the circulation of Nazi literature in Montreal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the auction?
The book is listed as Lot 71. While the official auction is on Wednesday, online pre-bidding is currently active.

How many people have bid on the book so far?
As of Sunday morning, 19 potential buyers had expressed interest, with a top bid of 260 Canadian dollars.

Who has criticized the sale?
Julien Corona, representing the Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA), has criticized the circulation of the document.

Do you believe historical documents of this nature should be sold in public auctions for educational purposes?