A leading biblical scholar places charity back at the heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition; arguing for its biblical roots It has long been acknowledged that Jews and Christians distinguished themselves through charity to the poor. Though ancient Greeks and Romans were also generous; they funded theaters and baths rather than poorhouses and orphanages. How might we explain this difference?
#194324 in Books Robert Gerwarth 2012-10-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.60 x 1.00 x 5.00l; .90 #File Name: 0300187726416 pagesHitler s Hangman The Life of Heydrich
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very well-written biographyBy CustomerI read this biography a long time ago but only now realized that I never wrote a review for it. "Hitler's Hangman" is a very well-written biography which; what's more important to me as a historian; paints an objective portrait of one of the most feared men in the history of Nazi Germany. I must admit; I hate it when certain historical figures are painted purely black and white because I personally want to see all of the shades that were in between; what made the killers into what they are; what turns their lives made that took them to a dark path leading to inhumanity and atrocities... "Hitler's Hangman" shows all of these shades with brutal honesty. It's a story of a man who started his career in the Himmler's apparatus purely out of the calculation; and whose views on National Socialism were actually first influenced by his new spouse; Lina. It was actually rather fascinating watching a young man born into a middle-class family with a good name and social standing slowly transform into someone; who even Hitler called "the man with an iron heart" - an ultimate killing machine responsible for the Final Solution and war crimes that took millions of lives. What's even more fascinating; were the little snippets of Heydrich's ordinary life that R. Gerwarth presents to the reader; which allow an intimate look into the "normal" life of Heydrich: a caring husband; a doting father to his new daughter Silke; a talented musician who played beautiful serenades to his guests after returning from his office; where he had just signed another order for the mass extermination of the ones; whom the Nazi regime deemed not worthy living... A riveting read explaining in detail the circumstances that made a rather ordinary man into a true monster.A meticulously researched; dark and haunting at times; this biography is definitely a must-read for anyone who's interested in the history of Nazi Germany and WW2.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Biography can be the best approach to history.By Teacher of TeachersI only recently became familiar with this man's name. Now I have to say it is almost strange that this Nazi is not as well known as Himmler or Goebbels; or even Hess. Perhaps it's because he was assassinated in 1942.Anyone who wants to understand the Holocaust would do well to start right here with this detailed book. This isn't only about one man; but about the evolution of the Holocaust itself; its purposes and methods; from the plan to forcibly move Jewish people to Madagascar to the better-known "Final Solution." It is very dark reading but amazingly informative. The mundane way in which this well educated but unimportant failed naval officer becomes Himmler's right hand man and one of the most evil mass murderers of all time is a lesson in itself: these people came from a shocking variety of backgrounds.I think biography is the best approach to history; at least for most people; and this book is an effective example. The story of one person inevitably sheds light on the events and the other people around him.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. If you are interested in history or humanity you need to read thisBy David WalshI recently visited Berlin for a weekend and took a historical walking tour with a fantastic guide. During the course of the walk the guide made a reference to the Wannsee conference and Reinhard Heydrich. This tour made me realise how little I knew about the German motives for the horror of the second world war. So I decide I would read a little about it. So first I read about Himmler and his brothers; which was a fascinating incite into the radicalisation of the German people and the growth of the the Nazi party.Then I discovered this book. The depth knowledge contained in this book is astounding. It is an intricately researched and incredibly detailed account of the life of Heydrich and more importantly the career of Heydrich in the Nazi party and the SS. The author details the gradual radicalisation of the Nazi racial policies and the motives for the atrocities committed in the name of the Reich and the German people. Without taking any particular slant or passing any judgement the author describes Heydrich's development of the Nazi terror apparatus and his developing puritanical pursuit of racial purity before his eventual assassination.This is a brilliant book and should be compulsory reading for every student of history. It is well written and for a book so heavy with historical detail very easy to read. 10 out of 10. If I have one complaint it would be that the title of Hitlers Hangman does not fully encompass the impact the this one individual had on the lives of some many people across Europe and while it was his nickname; Heydrich; as you will find; out was so much more than that.
