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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.