In 1940; the Polish Underground wanted to know what was happening inside the recently opened Auschwitz concentration camp. Polish army officer Witold Pilecki volunteered to be arrested by the Germans and reported from inside the camp. His intelligence reports; smuggled out in 1941; were among the first eyewitness accounts of Auschwitz atrocities: the extermination of Soviet POWs; its function as a camp for Polish political prisoners; and the “final solution†for Jews. Pilecki received brutal treatment until he escaped in April 1943; soon after; he wrote a brief report. This book is the first English translation of a 1945 expanded version. In the foreword; Poland's chief rabbi states; “If heeded; Pilecki's early warnings might have changed the course of history.†Pilecki's story was suppressed for half a century after his 1948 arrest by the Polish Communist regime as a “Western spy.†He was executed and expunged from Polish history. Pilecki writes in staccato style but also interjects his observations on humankind's lack of progress: “We have strayed; my friends; we have strayed dreadfully... we are a whole level of hell worse than animals!†These remarkable revelations are amplified by 40 bw photos; illus.; and maps
#858488 in Books Wilder Publications 2008-01-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .24 x 5.98l; .40 #File Name: 1604592133116 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Eloquent; Moving; and Still-TimelyBy Eric McDowellDuBois writes with compassion and understanding; yet he does not shy away from directly confronting readers: he makes them consider their conscious and subconscious biases and pre-conceived arguments on the race question in the United States in 1903. Sadly; the book is still relevant some 114 years since its original publication; but it is a thoroughly engaging and provocative read; and a haunting reminder of the work yet to be done towards healing and reconciliation.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great addition to any school history curriculumBy M. E. B.This is a book about about Black people in America from slave times through the time of the author and should be read by all Americans. A great addition to any school history curriculum.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. The Souls of Black Folk and Other Writings by W. E. B. DuBoisBy Toni PIt was a great book. A book that should be required reading in schools; from elementary; to high school. Like all good books I had to read it twice to make sure I did not miss one single thing.
