A History of the Holocaust: From Ideology to Annihilation

by Rita Steinhardt Botwinick

This text is more than recounting of the all familiar horrors of the Holocaust. It is an attempt to explain the forces that gave rise to it, the motives of those who conceived it, and the culture it destroyed.

Genres: History, Holocaust, Nonfiction, World War II

234 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.

[Bob Grizzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough examination of the events and roots of the people and places involved in the Holocaust.This period in history is one that defies comprehension,but it is needful to read books such as this to at least understand as best we can about the horrors of the Holocaust.

[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.