audiobook Never Again: The History of the Holocaust by Martin Gilbert in History

Review

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful Book On A Horrific Period in 20th Century History!By Barron LaycockWhen one of the world's most eminent historians takes on the single most amazing phenomenon of the century; the Holocaust; it gives one pause for thought. So here we have Sir Martin Gilbert; a noted Holocaust authority; writing masterfully about the events leading up to and including the systematic persecution; deportation and murder of the Jews of Europe. His stirring and singular narrative is regularly punctuated by a number of poignant and shocking eyewitness accounts of many who lived through those numbing events. The test is extremely approachable and easy to read; so that the non-historian can appreciate the breadth and scope of his recounting of the events during the 12-year reign of terror levied by the National Socialists in Nazi Germany.His approach is chronological; much like that employed in his best-selling three volume series on the 20th century. While he relies heavily on established secondary sources for his documentation; the power of his prose and his well-organized approach makes this an entertaining and educational tome to venture into. Although nowhere near as comprehensive as some other tomes such as Klaus Fischer's "History Of An Obsession"; he does trace the centuries' long tradition of anti-Semitism culminating in the official state sanctioned approach codified in the institutionalized Nuremberg laws. In all this; Gilbert brilliantly employs survivor's recollections to paint the atrocities in the hues and colors of real human beings; ordinary and identifiable individuals caught in the insanity of the Third Reich. Furthermore; he pursues their individual identities and humanity by giving the reader information on the postwar futures of these people.So much has been written about the Holocaust that it is difficult to imagine much new or novel to arise some fifty years after the end of the war. Yet the stage always remains open for the unusual display of finely crafted historical perspectives and brilliantly executed prose. The brilliance in this dazzling book is; as Oscar Schindler would have said; in the presentation. Although I have read a number of other books about these times and events that were more detailed; more graphic; or more comprehensive; this is without a doubt the single most impressive; cohesive; and authoritative volume I have read to date regarding the Holocaust in its enormity; and placed in an understandable and comprehensible context. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in owning the single best one-volume book summarizing and explaining the realities of the Holocaust.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It is unimaginably sad and tragicBy TWChop@aol.comThis book tells; and depicts; a horrifying time in the history of this world. I just cannot comprehend how it could have happened; despite all of the history I have read. The photographs make it real. It is unimaginably sad and tragic.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I have never read before about the protection that Benito ...By RenatoI have never read before about the protection that Benito Mussolini and Pope Pio 12th. gave to the Jewish people.