Even before Japan joined Nazi Germany in the Axis Alliance; its leaders clarified to the Nazi regime that the attitude of the Japanese government and people to the Jews was totally different than that of the official German position and that it had no intention of taking measures against the Jews that could be seen as racially motivated. During World War II some 40;000 Jews found themselves under Japanese occupation in Manchuria; China and countries of South East Asia. Virtually all of them survived the war; unlike their brethren in Europe. This book traces the evolution of Japan's policy towards the Jews from the beginning of the 20th century; the existence of anti-Semitism in Japan; and why Japan ignored repeated Nazi demands to become involved in the "final solution."
#896392 in Books 2012-02-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.00l; 1.26 #File Name: 1614122032408 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Extraordinary Life of Josef Ganz: Purchased at .comBy depNow I can say that I know the real history of the Volkswagen. A well written and well researched book that for the first time tells the story of the Volkswagen and it's originator; Josef Ganz. Josef was a Hungarian Jew and a whiz at all things technical; especially when it came to one of his pet projects which was a dream to build a car. Not just a car though; but a certain type of car. Unfortunately for Josef; while he was in the midst of creating his dream vehicle; the country of Germany was where he lived. When the Nazi's came along in the 1930's Josef was one of their prime targets. This was a great book; I gave it four stars only because some of the technical information becomes a bit long winded. I'm glad I know the real history of this beloved car and of Josef Ganz who saw his dream come true and then watched it slip away.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. History of the invention of the VW beetle design.By Piet HeinI am a car nut. I enjoy cars. I have owned many and have 7 at the present time; because there is not room for more.I purchased this english translation after reading the original issue in Dutch.Nothing is lost in translation. Ludwinka the designer of the rear engined Tatra has often been credited with developing the original VW concept; and then having it stolen by Porsche. VW actually paid Tatra damages for this alledged theft. However none of that story is as well documented; as conclusively proven; via copies of articles; blueprints; drawings and innumerable other concrete and indisputable facts such as photographs; as the contents of this book. Joseph Ganz was a genius and obviously a fanatic about his swing axle rear-engined motorcar design. Although he published a magazine that carried every thought he ever had about anything automotive; and most of those thoughts were derogatory ones about the lackluster and statusquo designs of the then major european motor car manufacturers of that time; none would so much as even look at his novel and brilliant rear engined vehicle design with fully indepent suspension.So as any fanatic would when his ideas are held up for public ridicule and the ravings of an idiot; he set out to build his own prototype in the shop of a benevolent and willing carmaker. He built his car from full sized drawings and within a few months had built a fully functioning vehicle exactly like the concept he had written and spoken about for at least a decade. He called the little car MayBug; because it was small and the shape resembled a small bug. His idea and his creation were presented to Hitler; unfortunately Ganz was a Jew. He managed to escape; but the design took form via the People's car. The story is amazing and almost unbelievable; and then there are the photo's the reprints of the articles he wrote and it believeable again. This man; by himself; with only a drafting table and his brains and some incredible engineering skills fully developed a functional vehicle design. No laboratories; no test mules; no design budget; NOTHING but brains and fanatical belief in his concept. It is book about history of the period just before Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and WWII; it is a book about a young man with a dream and it is absolutely one of the most fascinating automotive stories ever told. And (as I said) documented to a fairtheewell.Piet Hein5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The story behind the story!By Lewis SofmanThe mainstream story is always the accepted story; however the real origins reveal the truth. The author researched the life of Josef Ganz quite well; establishing that his idea was the impetus to bring forth a volkswagen; a people's car. He was in the right place at the wrong time; due to the turmoil of anti-semitism in Nazi Germany. At least Ganz survived and was able to continue his life's passion as best as he could. I am a VW enthusiast; having owned many air cooled examples in my collection through the years; with The Thing as my overall favorite. I have always gone with the Porsche origin story. The book is an excellent read; recommended for any person with interest in VW and automotive history. I'm glad to read the true story behind the story!
