The Holocaust Chronicle: A History in Words and Pictures

by Marilyn J. Harran, John Roth, David Aretha (Editor)

The Holocaust Chronicle: A History in Words and Pictures recounts the anguishing story of the most terrible crime of the 20th century. During World War II, six million Jews—as well as other targeted groups including Poles, the handicapped, and homosexuals—were systematically murdered by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Although the weight and heft of The Holocaust Chronicle cannot capture the immensity of its subject, the book’s 768 pages suggest that the Holocaust is a topic that must be openly confronted. Written and fact-checked by top scholars, the chronicle offers:

A 3,000-item timeline pinpointing specific events that contributed to the Holocaust, such as Nazi Germany occupation during World War II, the sealing of urban ghettos in Europe, and the deportation of millions of Jews to death camps.
Nearly 2,000 photographs chronicling the Holocaust in starkly visual terms, including images of the massacre of more than 33,000 Ukrainian Jews at Babi Yar and pictures from the liberation of Auschwitz and other concentration camps.
Fourteen chapter-opening essays that put the most important years of the Holocaust and its immediate aftermath into perspective, beginning with Hitler’s rise to power and ending with the convictions of such Nazi officials as Hermann Göring at the Nuremberg Trial.

More than 250 sidebars detailing the significant places, issues, events, and people of the Holocaust, including Anne Frank and Heinrich Himmler.

An extensive prologue and epilogue that discuss the buildup to and aftermath of the Holocaust.


* This is an alternate cover of Holocaust Chronicle: A History in Words and Pictures (ISBN-13: 9781680228328), content is the same. *

Genres: Holocaust, History, Nonfiction, World War II, Historical, War, Reference

768 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent account of the Holocaust from beginning and its aftermath. This narrative was portfolio style accompanied with lots of photos (B&W and colorized), maps, and more to aid in the visual experience. The narrative explained everything: the rise of Nazi Germany, the escalation of antisemitism, the ghettos, the concentration camps, the Final Solution, liberation from Allied/Soviet forces, and to the aftermath of post-WW2 Europe.

The book explained and showed all of Europe that was effected by the Holocaust. This included well-known topics like Dachau and Auschwitz to lesser known like murderous antisemitism inside Greece and Bosnia and inside the Baltic countries.

I would recommend this for its beginning-to-end analysis of the Holocaust. Thanks!

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holocaust is one of the darkest blemishes in the history of mankind. I have always been fascinated by the plight of the Jewish people throughout history and as a result, I have read many books and watched numerous films on the subject. Marilyn Harran did a great job in describing the timeline, the origins and the political causes behind what lead to the extermination of over six million Jews in "civilized" western Europe during WWII. Not only does she expose the many facts and details of the Nazi regime and that of Germany’s war machine, she also shines a revealing light on the collaboration among the many governments, groups and European countries (not to mention ordinary people) who aided and abetted the Nazis in their diabolical ‘final solution’. The holocaust may be a thing of the past, but the unsound methods and propaganda used to deploy the extermination of an entire people, still exist in today's world politics and in the heart of those who choose hatred and racism over acceptance and tolerance.

The book can be quite disturbing in its graphic portrayal of events surrounding the Jewish holocaust, but to all those who care about humanity's course and want a better understanding of the elements and factors that can lead to such an atrocity, this book is a good source of information and insight. It is through the understanding of such things that we can minimize the chances of them happening again in the future...

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to get you started on the HOLOCAUST. It's thick and heavy and depressing. You really never finish reading this book, so, that's why you put it on the coffee table for you or your guests to flip through it and to remind you what took place during WW11.

[Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensely comprehensive timeline of a terrible history, but this book makes it palatable if you can take the time to get through it. A big undertaking, but definitely worth it. So many personal stories, photos, documents; it's just incredible. If other people are saying it has a strong zionist leaning, I guess so, but in the context of the history of the time there was a lot going on in that area. A lot of the zionist portions are included here to show what was and was not being done through international governments and their relationships with zionist organizations, and the policies regarding rescue and resettlement. That didn't bother me or make me discredit any of the rest of the information, it was just circumstance. It's a really haunting text, but ultimately so important - as the book says, at the least, we owe remembrance.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially a timeline of the Holocaust with many photos and maps and lesser known individual stories. I picked it up on a discout rack at one of the chain stores. The jacket said it was put together to raise money for Holocaust education or something of the sort. This account is not particularly deep in insight, but very wide in scope. An excellent starter for the many who don't really know about this horrible event in human history.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exquisite collection of Holocaust-related photographs. The old saying about a picture being worth a thousand words definitely applies here; this book gave me more of a sense of the Holocaust than all the reading I've done on the subject. In addition there is an excellent timeline of the Holocaust events. Highly recommended.

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually helped in a small part of this book, researching, interviewing, and writing a part of the life of one of the survivors. It was a fascinating experience to learn in depth and personally, the experience of one of the strongest and bravest people in history. Anyone who can survive something like the Holocaust and come out the other side living a full and happy life is a hero in my book. This is a treasured resource, showing the mass impact this horrible event had on so many lives. These are real people with real experiences that they are willing to revisit and share so that we can better educate future generations. I am grateful for them!

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not an easy read due to the subject matter. At times, I was sad, angry, shocked, disgusted, moved, and pissed as I read 800 pages. Everything one should feel reading a book about the Holocaust. This shouldn't be a joyful or easy read. It should make one ask questions about humanity, faith, human cruelty, ignorance, culpability, and what should be learned from this monumental tragedy. I found this book so upsetting that it took me a year and a half to read because I could only read a few pages at a time and then needed to put it aside.

The book begins with an introduction and a history of antisemitism and the road Germany was on after WWI. Then the format changes into yearly sections made up of timelines, photographs, and short essays. The sections begin with the start of WWII, then move onto the Final Solution, and end with the Liberation of the camps.

What makes this book so powerful are the pictures. So many of them are disturbing, heartbreaking, and troubling. It's shocking to see what people did to other people and how much pleasure they seemed to take in carrying out these atrocities.

For me, the timelines were the most gut wrenching because it lists how many people were killed almost each day within the ghettoes, the camps, and the cities. It's stunning how many people (Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, dissidents, intellectuals, and so many others) were killed by the Nazis and how so many people including religious leaders, government officials, and ordinary people sat back and did nothing even though they were aware of what was happening. I mean how does one not notice entire groups of people just vanishing from a city and not ask Why? or What is happening here? It's just mind boggling to me. It staggers me.

This is one of the most important books I have ever read and I will not soon forget it.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez]

I'm still slowly making my way through this but my OCD flares when I see it in my currently-reading list so I'll leave it off for now.


I've decided to mention what I want while reading. With a book of this size I'm sure to forget many, many things any other way. So forgive me if this is pieced together with a chopped up feel.
Unless my memory has failed me once again (nothing new there) I learned new information by page 25. I don't know that I'd ever read Hitler's half-niece, Geli Raubal, died in a mysterious manner or that the Munich Post implicated Hitler in that death.
A small photo on page 29 shows a young Hitler with 4 other boys. Without looking at the accompanying text it's impossible not to see, immediately, which boy is Hitler. Everything from his eyes to that pinched look between his top lip and bottom nose area and even his stance with his arms crossed in front of him, screams older Hitler.
Page 30 shows a painting of Hitler's and it's obvious that there was some talent hidden inside. One has to wonder what would have become of Hitler's victims, the Jewish people in general, Germany itself, even the world, had Hitler been admitted to Vienna's Academy of Art. It really makes you think about the paths we take and what can take us away - or lead us to - certain ways.
This isn't an easy one to work through, even this early on, but then no Holocaust related book ever is. This will be an on-going work for me for some time. It's far too weighty to take out of the house and it's just not good for carrying around even at home. But, I'll finish it and soak up what I can.
I had no idea where the swastika symbol came from or that it's illegal to display in Germany to this day.

[Inknscroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Holocaust Chronicle" is a thorough, well-researched book. Its chapters begin with a prologue on a brief history of antisemitism; then, each chapter of the book covers each year, 1933-1946, of the Holocaust (or Shoah) & the pursuit of justice in Nuremberg. Finally, the book ends with an epilogue about the aftermath of the Holocaust, the rebirth of Israel, & a brief synopsis of Jewish history since the Holocaust. There is an excellent timeline throughout the entire book, & the book's pages are filled with many pictures, articles, & maps that align with the timeline. "The Holocaust Chronicle" is over 700 pages long, but it is a very important source that I definitely recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very informative as it is written in chronicle order of the beginnings of WWII. COntains mini biogs of many notable people. It is, however, not for the squeamish and perhaps could have scaled down on many of the photographs. To those that claim the Holocaust never happened, they need only thumb through this extensive volume of history and glance at the endless photos to disprove their theories. I would not let a younger child read this book; it is full of graphic photos. Overall it is an important piece of literature and one I will not soon forget.

[Sad Face · Rating 5 out of 5]

This huge volume is an amazing database of historical information. It covers everything leading up to and during the Holocaust, as well as what happened after. Great for any stage of research as it clearly maps and indexes everything you need, but is also good for anyone reading only out of interest.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my "Psychology of the Holocaust" textbook. It really made the Holocaust come alive for me, for better or for worse. There are a great deal of photos and documentation from pre-Hitler Germany through post-war Germany. Very educational.

[Steven Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this is not exactly a book you put beside your bed and read a little every night - - but you could. And perhaps in today's environment, we should. To remind us of the horrors that can occur when we stop paying attention to each other and when we stop caring about anyone other than ourselves.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriuiosly read this from page one to the beginning and gained a whole new outlook onlife.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big book with extreme power.

[Maria]

Wow! The pictures and facts about everything that deals with the holocaust and WWII astonished me. I'm amazed by this book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

memorable historic recording. a book that everyone should read

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, very informative. Every school should have this book.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to remember the outcome of hatred and the cost of losing individual rights.

[Lucas Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a 10/5 I would. The story was heartwarming and perfect for my 6 year old to help him learn to read. I have fond memories of this book, it took the place of the father that I never had. It raised me to be who I am today. Thank you God for the whimsical world of the Holocaust Chronicle. It transported me into the fabulous world. I got this book for christmas when I was 10 and Christmas has never been the same since. Thank you God one more time and may God have mercy on my soul.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this in middle/high school when it became apparent to my mom how much I was interested in the subject and learning more. It became a bible of sorts to reference while I ingested every memoir I could get my hands on and while I dreamt of becoming an editor, historian, and speaker of the subject. While this never came to fruition, it sits on my bookshelf, almost 25 years later, still jammed with sticky notes and writing scribbled in the margins.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more like a magazine reading type. So it does take a while to get through it and it's not necessarily an easy read it's more like a historical text. It has a lot of information and it is a great piece to add to yourself and read from time to time. There's so much information I feel like you have to take it in strides.

[Sophia Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! I have been reading everything I can about WWII through many different historical/ historical fiction books and this one would have to be in my top 5! The pictures were sad to see but very educational in thinking about what the events might have looked like, Totally recommend this book for anyone interesting in the topic of WWII!

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mainstay

[Brandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving remembrance of the world's shame, from the hero's and the innocents lost to those who do not deserve remembrance except in the hope that we never relive the mistakes of the past.

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard, hard read. 18+ recommended.

[Angela Hooper]

Horrifying and fascinating.

[Cheryl]

Personal collection reference book

[Jerry Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable resource and a must-read history lesson for all. I'd love to see Philip Riteman's story incorporated into this online resource. Mr. Riteman is a Holocaust survivor (Auschwitz and four other camps) now living in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Philip Riteman was born in Shershev in the Brest-Litvosk region of Poland. Forced from their town by the Germans in 1941, Philip and his family, along with thousands of other Jews, were deported into the Pruzhany ghetto. They were transported to Auschwitz in the winter of 1942. Philip’s parents, brothers, and sisters were put to death in the gas chambers. Philip and two remaining brothers were selected for slave labour. From Auschwitz-Birkenau, Philip was sent to Sachsenhausen, Oranienburg, Dachau, and finally Landsberg. Liberated by the American Seventh Army in 1945 after crossing the Tyrolean Alps on a death march, Philip was the only member of his family to survive.

After spending a year in the Feldafing transition camp, Philip sought to leave Europe and start a new life in North America. Only Newfoundland, an independent country at that time, was quick to respond in Philip’s favour. In 1946 Philip began his new life as a door-to-door salesman in his new country. In Newfoundland, Philip owned a wholesale dry goods business. By the time he left for Halifax in 1979, he had established a successful import trading company.

For many years, Philip did not speak about the Holocaust. In 1989, he gave testimony as a survivor for the first time at a school in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. He spoke to silence Holocaust deniers who claimed that the extermination of 6,000,000 Jews by the Germans had either never occurred or was greatly exaggerated. For more than twenty years, Philip has continued to bear witness as a survivor. At schools, churches, universities, legion halls, and business enterprises throughout Canada and the United States, he has shared painful memories and a commitment to a more just society. For his contribution, Philip has been awarded honorary doctorates by Memorial and St. Thomas Universities as well as the Order of Nova Scotia.

Philip Riteman's memoir, Millions of Souls, was published by Flanker Press in 2010. Mr. Riteman insisted that his life story be published by a Newfoundland publisher, by way of thanks to the people who helped him rediscover humanity. His memoir can be found here: http://flankerpress.com/millions_soul...