Editorial Review

It has only been since the mid-1970s that any attention has been paid to the persecution and interment of gay men by the Nazis during the Third Reich. Since that time, books such as Richard Plant's Read more

Reviews (15)

Couldn't put it down!!!
Such a good book. It gives a different perspective on the Holocaust. It's a page turner...I couldn't put it down once I got past the first few pages. Everyone one should read!

A Moving and Powerful True Account of Survival
A sodomy law had been on the German law books since 1871, a law known simply as Paragraph 175.Only a few people were ever sentenced under this obscure law until June of 1935 when, after the rise of Hitler and Nazism, the Nuremberg laws were enacted and the consequences of Paragraph 175 strengthened.Where once before, you had to be caught in the act of same sex relations, now simply receiving a letter or the spreading of idle gossip would have you sent to a concentration camp. One Man's Story
Although short, this man's story could have benefitted from some thoughtful editing.Powerfully recounting his persecution at the hands of the Nazi regime, a full picture could have been painted had the author continued to tell its affects on the rest of his life AFTER World War II.An important book, no doubt, and definitely to be included in any Holocaust library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Concentration camps    3. Europe - Germany    4. Gay Studies    5. Gay men    6. General    7. Germany    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. Homosexuality    12. Homosexuality, Male    13. Jewish Holocaust Personal Narratives    14. Military - World War II    15. History / General   

Reviews (2)

A profound exploration of Jewish History and JewishMemory
This work has four major chapters each of which deals with a certain period of Jewish history, and its approach to Jewish Memory. In the first chapter Yerushalmi explores the Biblical and Rabbinic Foundations for writing history, and remembering it. This is the stage when the process of remembering is connected with the recording of, and participation in history.
A classic
This book enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a classic in the field of Jewish studies. The author maintains that "Only in Israel and nowhere else is the injunction to remember felt as a religious imperative to anentire people." What follows is a brilliant discussion of the meaningand selectivity of memory in Jewish religious tradition. Yerushalmi thenshows how secularization radically transformed the meaning of memory andhistory for Jews. Writing of the rise of Jewish historiography in early19th century Germany, he notes: "For the first time it is not historythat must prove its utility to Judaism, but Judaism that must prove itsvalidity to history, by revealing and justifying itself historically." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Historiography    2. History - General History    3. History Of Jews    4. History: World    5. Jewish - General    6. Jews    7. Judaism - History    8. Religion    9. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    10. Islamic studies    11. World history   

Reviews (1)

Detail on the individual or story represented by each stamp
The Jewish World In Stamps: 4000 Years Of Jewish Civilization On Postage Stamps by Ronald L. Eisenberg is an amazing, full-color, 288 page volume that meticulously reproduces postage stamps portraying events and people throughout the whole of Jewish history. The Jewish World In Stamps ranges from biblical stories such as the tale of Esther, to the Diaspora, to rise of Zionism and establishment of the state of Israel, to Jewish traditions and values, to World Jewish Communities, to modern-day Jewish entertainers such as Groucho Marx. Succinct entries flesh out the background detail on the individual or story represented by each stamp, and the color illustrations are the next best thing to having an international stamp collection of one's own. The Jewish World In Stamps is an exciting and seminal work that makes both the world of stamp collecting and Jewish history itself come alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. History    5. History / Jewish    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Jews    8. Jews on postage stamps    9. Stamps    10. Jewish    11. Jewish studies    12. Stamps, philately   

Editorial Review

Pillage is one of the traditionalperks of warfare. But it took Adolf Hitler to systematize the decimation anddespoiling of cultures, and it took Hector Feliciano seven years to track fivefamous art collections stolen by the Nazis. He uncovered not only Nazi schemesbut also a well-oiled machine of collaborators, informants, moving companies,and neighbors, all with their fingers in the pie. Read more

Reviews (8)

A fascinating story poorly told
Those of you who read Lynn Nicholas' astonishing The Rape of Europa will be disappointed by this book, which is in many ways a necessary supplement to Nicholas' spine-tingling work.The record of greed, fear, coercion andbarbarism visible behind the glittering surface of the Parisian art worldin the 1940's is a truly moving human story.The photographs, all ofnow-vanished works of modern art, provide a valuable record for thehistorian, as many of the lost works have never been published. Unfortunately, the book is nearly ruined by a flat and pedestrian writingstyle.The author may have taken years to write this book, and conductedhundreds of interviews, but one would never know that.Feliciano writes asif he were a USA Today reporter - utterly superficial treatments of seriousissues and no sign whatsoever of any personal investment in the story.Theart and personalities of the period deserved a better historian than Mr.Feliciano, I am sorry to say.Useful for the documentary information only.

German arrogance and art dealer greed in WWII.
A repititious summary of art work confiscations by the Nazis, particularly from Jewish galleries, during World War II. Plentiful accusations of greed by cooperating art dealers, including some famous names, during and after the war.The French government to this day has performed questionably in returning works by famous artists to their pre-war owners.The Swiss government, in harmony with its management of Jewish refugee bank deposits, has performed even worse.Over-all, a depressing litany of evil deeds in a poorly structured account of art world activity during the German occupation of France.

German arrogance and art dealer greed in WWII.
A repititious summary of art work confiscations by the Nazis, particularly from Jewish galleries, during World War II. Plentiful accusations of greed by cooperating art dealers, including some famous names, during and after the war.The French government to this day has performed questionably in returning works by famous artists to their pre-war owners.The Swiss government, in harmony with its management of Jewish refugee bank deposits, has performed even worse.Over-all, a depressing litany of evil deeds in a poorly structured account of art world activity during the German occupation of France. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Art    3. Art and the war    4. Art thefts    5. Europe - Germany    6. European    7. Fine Arts    8. France    9. History    10. History - General History    11. Holocaust    12. Jewish - General    13. Pillage    14. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (21)

An Emotional Journey
What can I add that hasn't already been said on this page? Except that I hope you will read this book if you haven't already and that you will share it with any young people you know. Mona Golabek has written a sincere, heartfelt memoir of her mother during World War II, enriched by both musical and family values. Ms. Golabek's memoir clearly shows how great music has the ability to sustain and nourish the soul in desperate circumstances. The spirit of Willesden Lane, of the young people who survived the war, and of their parents who sacrificed all, live on in this poignant, beautifully told story.

Truly Inspirational
The Children of Willesden Lane is a compelling story about a Jewish girl growing up in a country overtaken by Hitler during World War Two. The Jura family, being allowed to send only one child to England on the Kindertransport, sent Lisa knowing that her musical talent would ensure her survival. When all is going wrong, and it seems as though she has nothing left to hold on to, Lisa lets all her feelings go through her music and holds on to her abilities. Inspiring
In The Children Of Willesden Lane, Mona Golabek writes an inspiring story about her mother's experiences through the rough times of the Holocaust. She tells a beautiful story about her mother's love for music. Ever since she was a little girl, growing up in Vienna, she has always had a passion for music. She has always dreamed of playing in concerts. At thirteen, Lisa Jura is put on a train to a camp separated from her family. With a numbered tag around her neck, Lisa can only think of the difficult times ahead of her. After a long journey, Lisa finally gets settled in one place, 243 Willesden Lane. There are many children that she is introduced to. Lisa tries to forget about the war and the separation of her and her family. Instead she enjoys precious moments with many of her friends and a guy she has started a relationship and loves very much. At this house, Lisa is able to do what she loves the most, plaing the piano. She has not forgotten about her music and the promise she made to her mother.Lisa plays and practices her music everyday bringing joy and happiness to the children on Willesden Lane. Her music truly lifts the spirits of everyone. Soon Lisa is given an exceptional musical opportunity. She soon begins to realize she is doing what her mother had always wished for her. She knew she was making her mother very proud because after eveything she has gone through she keeps her music. This book is extemley inspiring and well-written. It is moving and teaches important lessons in life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - General    6. Emigration And Immigration    7. England    8. Historical - Holocaust    9. History Of Jews    10. Holocaust    11. Jewish - General    12. Jews, Austrian    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Refugees, Jewish    15. Biography & Autobiography / Composers & Musicians    16. Biography: historical    17. Europe    18. European history: Second World War    19. Social history    20. The Holocaust   

Reviews (114)

Should be rated 10 - it's over the top!
Several years ago the author came to visit our school. Our 5th-6th graders were totally silent and amazed as she spoke of her life and survival during WWII Poland. She lived and experienced more by the time she was 16 than 5 people combined. The story will rip your heart out and create a new understanding of what it took to survive the camps and countryside of Poland. Watching her family killed, helping other children to survive in the countryside, and leading others to freedom. If you thought The Diary of Anne Frank was great, you will be changed by this one.

A wonderfully written memoir of the Holocaust
Even though the Holocaust is a very painful part of humanity's history, Alicia manages to tell her story in a very realistic, yet beautiful way. It is very painful for the reader to learn how every single member of Alicia's family was murdered, and the way she describes every different occasion made me immerse myself more and more into the story, making it very hard to put down. Alicia shows how a great young leader was able to save hundreds of lives risking her own. It was very interesting for me to read a Holocaust memoir that did not take place in a concentration camp, which also shows how the people who were in hiding were in a similar situation of hardship as those who were confined to a forced labor camp.
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE
Alicia is such a gifted writer, she stamps unforgettable word pictures in your mind. Reading this book is as close to living through the holocaust as we can get. It is an amazing story of survival and courage as well as desparation and ignorance. Undeniably the best book I have ever read. I couldn't put it down and read and re-read it several times--sometimes picking up certain sections over and over again. You feel the sweat. You feel the chill. You hear the babies crying and guns firing to silence them. It is beautiful that there are survivors of such horror. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Buchach    4. Historical - Holocaust    5. Holocaust    6. Holocaust survivors    7. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    8. Jews    9. Persecutions    10. Personal narratives    11. Ukraine    12. Women    13. History / Holocaust   

Reviews (1)

The Litvaks...Vibrancy to Demise
The Litvaks, A Short History of the Jews in Lithuania, is a book, of not only history, but one of insight into the vibrancy and the demise of the Jews and of their geographics and culture, religion and fight for survival, within the ever-changing demographics of the country.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Holocaust    4. Military - World War II    5. Europe    6. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    7. Religion & Beliefs    8. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (41)

Contains numerous factual errors
Unfortunately, there are numerous falsehoods in this book according to the most definitive book to date on gas chamber operation "Auschwitz: Technique and Operation of the Gas Chambers" by Jean-Claude Pressac.
An eyewitness to the horror
This is a brief but powerful description of the horror of Auschwitz.Dr. Nyiszli was witness to the efficiency of the Nazi killing machinery, and is one of a very few such witnesses to survive.His account is an important reminder of the magnitude of the barbarity that man is capable of inflicting on his fellows.Dr. Nyiszli was also required to work with Dr. Josef Mengele, Auschwitz's "Angel of Death," helping him collect evidence to support his pseudo-scientific beliefs in Aryan superiority.While this first-hand description of Dr. Mengele fails to shed any light on his motivations or behavior, it does show the level of attention he payed to every aspect of the horror that was Auschwitz.Taken together with other eyewitness accounts, this book helps paint a more complete picture of the enormity of the Nozi crimes and the horror they inflicted.

a different perspective
Till date I have probably read well over a hundred books about holocaust. These survivors have been able to tell their story vividly but sometimes there is guilt in their voice - it is like the guilt of survival. It is not different here but just from a different perspective. Most of the other books I have read are from Levi, Weisel etc, but this is from somebody who was not in the direct line of fire. So Dr. Nyiszli could give a different perspective which is not available in the other books. He gave us a small detour from the camp to the heart of Dr Mengele and the Nazi pseudoscience. The strange fact is that even some Nobel Prize winners took part in analyzing the results of these experiments conducted by Dr. Mengele.
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Subjects:  1. Atrocities    2. Auschwitz (Concentration camp)    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Holocaust    8. Human experimentation in medicine    9. Jewish Holocaust Personal Narratives    10. Nyiszli, Miklos    11. Personal narratives, Hungarian    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. History / General    14. Jewish studies    15. Mengele, Josef    16. Nyiszli, Miklós    17. Oral history    18. Poland    19. The Holocaust   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Antiquities    3. Antiquities & Archaeology    4. Archaeology    5. Bible    6. Biblical Archaeology    7. Encyclopedias    8. Excavations (Archaeology)    9. Middle East - Israel    10. Palestine    11. Reference    12. Sociology    13. Asian archaeology    14. Israel    15. Jewish studies   

Reviews (10)

I hate thinking of titles
It's rather hard to describe this enormous book in one short review. It's not a book really, but rather a chunk of life that sits quivering on your bookshelf. Other readers have summarized the plot well enough - it's a book about relationships, both political and personal - husband and wife, father and son, Israeli and Arab. I won't repeat.
Interesting story but problems in execution
I found there was much to like and much to dislike about this book. The story of Rivlin, a Middle East scholar whom we follow as he embarks on several related quests -first, to understand the breakup of his son's marriage, second, to understand how the history of Algeria is related to the current violence in that country, and third, to explore the relationship of Jews and Arabs in Israel - is interesting and thoughtful, and all the players in all the relationships are treated with respect and empathy. Having lived in Israel for several years in the mid-80's, I enjoyed the descriptions of daily living,the sights, sound, and style of the place. I also liked the fact that the title of the book could apply to almost all of the women in the novel - Galya, the ex-daughter in law, Samaher, Rivlin's long-time Arab student pursuing her M.A., Hannah Tedeschi, the wife of Rivlin's former teacher, as well as many others. Contrived and lengthy
While Yehoshua has proven himself to be an excellent writer in the past, his latest does not measure up to his standards. Not that it's a bad book: it's definitely readable and somewhat enjoyable. However, its basic premise - which is the engine that drives most of the story - feels very contrived, and the story itself is at times slow, not to say boring. The political aspect, as always a major facet of Yehoshua's work, feels tacked on to the story instead of being an essential part of it. And all in all, there is just too little story here to support such a long book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Hebrew (Language) Contemporary Fiction    4. Literary    5. History / Jewish   

Reviews (78)

intelligent view
Rabbi Berger wrote a thoughtful analysis on a hype which has developed over the last 10 years. He also shows what is mostly kept underground and which is, nevertheless, of great importance for Jews elsewhere, especially in smaller communities, where Chabadniks are often the ones in charge. Although admittedly, I at first thought :"this can't be true"when reading the book for the first time, experience has shown and is still showing that it IS true.

The dangers of extreme bias
If you are looking at the this book, it is clear that the entire framework is of some interest to you. In order to provide yourself with balance on this issue you MUST read the response to this book entitled:
Thesis Wrong, One Good Point
In response to Levi Perlman...The Rebbe, OBM (ZT''L) is
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Controversial literature    3. Eschatology, Jewish    4. Habad    5. History of doctrines    6. Judaism    7. Judaism - History    8. Judaism - Orthodox    9. Judaism - Theology    10. Messiah    11. Religion    12. Religion - Judaism    13. Jewish studies   

Reviews (5)

Yes of course, ""Reflection on the Holocaust""!!!
Those who do not believe that there was, and still is, a legend in the name of 'Holocaust' are kindly invited to visit Ghaza and Lebanon (North and notably South) to look and see how such a word is actually pronounced.
Powerful, Haunting
Dare to stick you head and heart into the cruelity of mankind and you come away from this powerful book enlightened--and looking over your shoulder at today's racism. An equally moving book is Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Jerry Ellis.

Excellent Book
This is the third book I read by Elie Wiesel, first I read "Night" which is my favorite, second I read "The Forgotten" which I thought was very good too. Now this one, is much shorter but the tetimonials by other Holocaust victims and the photographs makes it an excellent book. The generation of WWII survivors are dying and we need books like these to keep reminding us and future generations of the horrors of the war, so we don't repeat it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Holocaust    5. Holocaust, 1933-1945    6. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    7. Jewish Holocaust    8. Wiesel, Elie - Prose & Criticism    9. Europe    10. European history: Second World War    11. History / Holocaust    12. The Holocaust   

Reviews (61)

Interesting first person account
This memoir is pretty well written and as such is a very quick read. I won't go into the details of the story, as the book is inexpensive and you really should just pick it up to read yourself, since nothing a reviewer could tell you will match up with the actual memoir. Suffice to say that her story is as heartbreaking in some regards as you would expect a narrative like this to be. My only complaint is that it is perhaps lacking a little depth in some areas, specifically in regards to what happened to her after the war, how she reintegrated herself into a post-WWII Europe. I also would have liked more on what she learned about the experiences of people she knew and loved, as well as how her views of events have changed over the years since they occurred. Still, like every survivor's story, this is a valuable addition in my journey to understand the holocaust and its effects on individuals, families, and communities.

A MUST read for people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs
If this fascinating tale weren't true, I don't think I wouldbelieve it!
Non-fiction that reads like a novel
Normally I am not a fan of non-fiction, in fact I normally avoid it completely, but a friend of mine suggested this book and I am very glad I gave in and read it.This book is wonderful and provides an interesting view into the sociology and psycology of Germany before and during WWII.It is hard to believe that this amazing story is about a real person and not a fictional one.I highly recommend this book to not only people who love history, but also those who are interested in stories about life changing events and triumph over adversity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Historical - Holocaust    3. History    4. History: World    5. Holocaust    6. Jewish - General    7. Women    8. Biography & Autobiography / General    9. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

Dith Pran, the Cambodian photojournalist portrayed by Haing S. Ngor in Read more

Reviews (11)

How did the world let this happen?
This is one of the most powerful books I have read. The writing may not be the greatest. After all it is not a novel; it is a composition of the stories of Cambodians that have survived horrendous atrocities. Before we blame the U.S. we must realize thatThe U.N. and the rest of the world failed to take action as well. Would the public have supported sending troops into a situation similar to Vietnam? Is Burma the next killing field? We still ignore similar circumstances that are occurring as I type this review.

Children of Cambodia's Killing Fields: Memoirs by Survivors
This book of memoirs is deeply moving with one eulogy to a mother which I will never forget.It brought me to tears and crying out loud.Books such as these should be read by our youth before they enlist in the armed services.Naive Americans such as Jessica Lynch might not be so swept up by the manipulative promises of military recruiters if they became more informed before they enlist.

Excellent
This is a good introduction for anyone who wants to learn about life under the Khmer Rouge.The stories may be different, but they all provide a vivid detail of children struggling to survive Pol Pot's regime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Historical - General    4. History    5. History: World    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history    7. Biography & Autobiography / Historical    8. Biography: general    9. Cambodia    10. The Holocaust   

Reviews (10)

Entertaining and inaccurate
A good book for casual crime readers who don't need heavy details, but amazingly inaccurate in several areas. Seems to repeat old myths told in other books rather than do research.
Will buy again.
Prompt delivery of my order.Would recommend this seller.Book as advertised.

great book and a fun reading
this book is a great academic book mixed with fun storytelling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. History    5. Jewish - General    6. Jewish criminals    7. Organized crime    8. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    9. True Crime / Espionage    10. United States    11. Biography: general    12. Jewish studies    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. General    4. Historical - Holocaust    5. History    6. History: World    7. Holocaust    8. Holocaust survivors    9. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    10. Jews    11. Mukacheve    12. Personal narratives    13. Ukraine    14. United States    15. Biography: general    16. Europe    17. The Holocaust    18. USA   

Reviews (17)

Haunting
The story of Auschwitz is often taught in today's schools as that of a concentration camp erected during the Second World War that witnessed one of the world's worst genocides - the slaughter of one million innocent Jewish souls.
Harrowing and powerful
This book is a fascinating, enlightening, and moving history of one of the most infamous of the Nazi concentration camps. Rees doesn't just explain the history of the camp itself, he frequently ties it into the "big picture," the things happening elsewhere in the world and how they affected the camp, and sometimes vice versa. This big picture focus really makes the book, showing how everything in interrelated and how even the distant Allied nations affected Auschwitz's development throughout the war.
Easily accessible and reader-friendly
This was my first attempt to learn about Auschwitz and I was very pleased with the book. The author explains the entire history of the camp without getting bogged down in any single aspect of the story. If you are a casual history buff like me, this book is a winner. The first-hand accounts of survivors and the SS men who worked at Auschwitz are amazing. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Auschwitz (Concentration camp)    2. Germany    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Holocaust    7. Holocaust survivors    8. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    9. International    10. Interviews    11. Jewish Holocaust    12. Poland    13. War Crimes And Criminals    14. War criminals    15. Europe    16. European history: Second World War    17. The Holocaust    18. World history   

Reviews (1)

When 'Jewish Studies' was nefarious
Many colleges and universities now have programs or departments in ethnic studies, or specifically in Chicano Studies, Jewish Studies, etc.And we think that is fine, although some twenty or thirty years ago some academics questioned such fields.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Antisemitism    3. Europe - Germany    4. Germany    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Holocaust    9. Jewish - General    10. National socialism and intellectuals    11. National socialism and scholarship    12. European history: from c 1900 -    13. History / Germany    14. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    15. Jewish studies    16. Second World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (5)

Interesting but Not Compelling
THE JEWS OF LITHUANIA serves well as a general introduction to one of the most diverse, vibrant Jewish communities to have flourished anywhere at any time. This is a general History with a lot of errors.
This is a poorly written general History.The title of the book is misleading.The book concentrates on the modern era.There is alot of imformation on the old Kehilla era of Jewish History.This is a periodfrom 1400 - 1700 at least.This book gives only the minimal description ofthis era.The authors idea of Jewish History in that pre-modern era, whichin Lithuania extended until the mid 1800's was to tell about therelationship that the ruler of that area had with the Jews.The reasonthat I gave this book such a low rating is that it is full of Historicalerrors.For example she writes that the Decembrist revolution happened in1827, it really happened in 1825.While many of her Historical errors areminor, like saying that the infamous, 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion',was written in 1928.When it comes to the History of the Orthodox and theYeshivot, the book is full of gross errors and misunderstandings. As anexampe, her attempts to explain the reason why there was a rebellion inSlobodka against the 'Alter' and his form of Mussar is so wrong that it iscomical.The 'Alter' had no official position in his own Yeshiva.A partof his form of Musar was allowing each student to develop on his own. Tight control was not part of this system.Saul Liberman, who later becamethe head of JTS - the Conservitive Seminary in the USA, learnt in Slobodka. Even though it was already known at that time that he had some liberalideas.One of the Alter's most promenant students, R. Avrohom Elya Kaplen,later became head of the Rabbinical School in Berlin and was one theRabbinica