Lessons of the Holocaust (UTP Insights) by Michael R. Marrus

by Michael R. Marrus

Although difficult to imagine, sixty years ago the Holocaust had practically no visibility in examinations of the Second World War. Yet today it is understood to be not only one of the defining moments of the twentieth century but also a touchstone in a quest for directions on how to avoid such catastrophes.In Lessons of the Holocaust, the distinguished historian Michael R. Marrus challenges the notion that there are definitive lessons to be deduced from the destruction of European Jewry. Instead, drawing on decades of studying, writing about, and teaching the Holocaust, he shows how its lessons are constantly challenged, debated, altered, and reinterpreted.A succinct, stimulating analysis by a world-renowned historian, Lessons of the Holocaust is the perfect guide for the general reader to the historical and moral controversies which infuse the interpretation of the Holocaust and its significance."

Genres: Holocaust

Hardcover

First published November 30, 2015

About the author

Michael Robert Marrus, CM FRSC is a Canadian historian of France, the Holocaust and Jewish history. He was born in Toronto and received his BA at the University of Toronto in 1963 and his MA and PhD at the University of California, Berkeley in 1964 and 1968. He is a Professor Emeritus of Holocaust Studies at the University of Toronto.

Marrus is an expert on the history of French Jewry and anti-semitism. He co-wrote with Robert Paxton a book on Vichy France that shows that the anti-semitism of Vichy was not imposed by the Germans, that at times Vichy was more brutal towards the French Jews than the Germans and the French state played a leading and indispensable role in organizing the deportation of Jews to death camps. Furthermore, Marrus and Paxton argued that Vichy was more brutal than other European states occupied by the Germans.

Marrus's book the Holocaust in History is a well-regarded historiographical survey. Marrus wants the Holocaust to be seen as tragedy for humanity, not just Jews. In his book, Marrus was able to offer a synthesis such as the Functionalist vs Intentionalist views of the origins of the Holocaust.

In 2001, after failing to gain access to the Vatican archives from the period after 1923, the International Catholic-Jewish Historical Commission disbanded amid controversy. Unsatisfied with the findings, Marrus said the commission "ran up against a brick wall.... It would have been really helpful to have had support from the Holy See on this issue."

Professor Michael Marrus was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2008.

Marrus married Randi Greenstein in 1971 and has three children.

~from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_...

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit self-indulgent, a bit rambly towards the end, but Michael Marrus is obviously well versed in his field and frequently brings interesting examples and insights to the study of the Holocaust and its 'use' in public life.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was well written and informative. It had a lot of good things to remember and was told in a way that will stay with you for awhile. I would recommend this book. 4 out of 5 stars.