A Holocaust Reader: From Ideology to Annihilation

by Rita Steinhardt Botwinick (Editor)

This unique book presents selections of original material related to the Holocaust, including documents, memoirs, and other primary sources that allows readers an unfiltered, firsthand means of evaluating the causes, events, and results of the Holocaust. A Holocaust Reader includes material excerpted from documents and memoirs that is intended to supplement information generally available on the Holocaust. It also includes an index, uncommon in anthologies. An essential reference book for anyone studying the Holocaust for personal or professional reasons.

Genres: History, Holocaust, Nonfiction, World War II

207 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Leeny]

I found this book to be engaging and informative. As indicated by the title, the book is historical; it is not about personal experiences. It nests events in context which aids understanding of the horrors of this war & its prelude. I recommend it.

[Shadowzzz3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful Primer on the Holocaust. Detailing both the lead up and rational of how the Holocaust was brought about. It offers lots of tragedy and a bit of hope.

Never again.

[Brian Schartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be well written. The author offer an intriguing partial explanation for the Holocaust. "If by their presence alone Jews contaminated society, if their taint was congenital, then only their obliteration could make the world safe. And that delusion underlies the tragedy of the Holocaust." My knowledge of the Holocaust was increased by reading this book, my understanding of it (and many other attempts at genocide) was increased by reading those two lines.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think on the whole that this book was exceedingly vague and filled with more emotion than fact, it provides a functional and moving overview of the Shoah for the beginner. A good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about WWII.

[Eclarep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed. Not the best book we read in German Holocaust Lit. but laid a nice foundation.

[Bradley]

Read for a course at Baylor University entitled: Hitler and the Holocaust, taught by Marc Ellis.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primary document

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a nonfiction book on such a heavy topic, it was palatable, accessible, and interesting.

[Will Connelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise history of the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.

[Sue Lipton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to read; that's part of what made it a good book for me.