The Holocaust

Seminar Studies in History

by David Engel

This book offers a survey of the encounter between the Third Reich and European Jewry. Pointing out the difficulties historians face in interpreting the ever-expanding documentary record, it includes treatment of the role of non-Germans in the Holocaust, consideration of the much-debated nexus between the Holocaust and modernity, and discussion on how 'the Holocaust' developed as a distinct historical topic. Fully updated, this new third edition incorporates the latest scholarly findings with expanded treatment of gendered aspects of the Holocaust, the Holocaust’s world historical contexts, the long-term history of Jewish-Christian relations, and thinking about the Holocaust’s contemporary relevance, as well as additional documents reflecting recent archival discoveries. Offering a concise narration that appeals to both the intellect and the emotions, the book enables students to gain a real understanding of the events of this catastrophic time. Including a useful selection of original documents (many never before anthologised in English), a chronology, glossary, and 'who’s who', David Engel’s book will be welcomed by anyone trying to get to grips with this complex and far-reaching subject.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Holocaust

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1999

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the writing in this was very dry, or the rating would have been higher, but I did enjoy this. It's an all encompassing look at the Holocaust, how Nazi Germany got there, how it operated, how it affected people, amongst countless other things, and it's a boatload of information, which I liked. It's also not cut and dry, either. Engel writes that most of what's posited is basically just theories from different historians, because it's very hard to tack down human behavior as straight fact, which I thought was a smart move. The Holocaust is a very sensitive topic, and, truly, it is not entirely black and white, like many believe. History very rarely is.

My favorite part was towards the end, where Engel included different accounts from people, Jews, non Jews, Nazis, people living in the countryside, etc. who lived in Nazi Germany, though I wish this part was longer. It was usually just fragments from letters or testimonies, but it was an incredibly interesting look at the lives of very different people in Nazi Germany, which you don't generally get in many books centered on the Holocaust.

[Emiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente. David Engel logra en relativamente pocas páginas dar una mirada desapasiona de los procesos históricos que llevaron al Holocausto. Aprender sobre este fenómeno es elemental para formar una conducta cívica y democrática en la actualidad, no solo nos advierte sobre el peligro de las nuevas derechas y la (re)aparición de discursos xenófobos y racistas, sino que también pone en duda nuestra comprensión sobre los seres humanos, obligándonos a pensar qué significa lo humano y el mundo moderno.

Tal como señala Funkenstein: los que llevaron a cabo el Holocausto eran seres humanos de carne y hueso, sujetos a las mismas servidumbres biológicas y sociales del resto de los seres humanos; por lo que el Holocausto nos revela una manera posible de existencia humana, manera tan humana como los más altos ejemplos de creatividad y comprensión.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short buy quick look on the Jewish race from the beginning throughout the early Holocaust.

[bautista]

"... el Holocausto es imaginable y expresable, aunque sólo puedan hacerlo los que están preparados para modificar radicalmente su manera de pensar acerca de la naturaleza de los seres humanos"

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for an internship, but I would gladly have read it anyway. Engel presents a clear and concise account of how the mass murder of 5.8 million Jews actually managed to happen. This very lucid and readable book examines how the Holocaust developed from several angles and perspectives -- Nazis, 'everyday' Germans, Jews (in and out of Germany), countries on both sides of the war, etc.

For those worried -- while the account is intellectually depressing, the gut-wrenching, emotionally depressing material is mostly all in the 'Documents' section at the end of the book. To be blunt, you can indeed do the important work of educating yourself about the Holocaust with this book without turning into a wreck. Reading this book is not like watching Schindler's List on repeat.

This is not to say I don't recommend seeking out more emotionally wrenching material in order to get a fuller view of the Holocaust's toll. There are books, poetry, movies, and excellent Holocaust museums out there, such as the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC and the Museum of Jewish Heritage--A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in NYC. I was just at the latter yesterday -- it's well worth your time.

[char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and concise overview of the progression of the Holocaust. As much a book about the scholarship of the Holocaust as it is about the Holocaust itself, which I really appreciated. Cares were taken to feature the views of a variety of scholars and historians, as well as to supplement the text with over thirty primary documents.

[Juliana Schnur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent tool for anyone interested in learning about the Holocaust. Engel provides a concise explanation of how World War II unfolded while being sensitive to the gravity of the events. This book should be used as a reference tool for students and teachers alike.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

PLS 240: The Holocaust


Very brief overview of various events or topics regarding the Holocaust

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for study group on the pianist