By highlighting the experiences of common soldiers and civilians; this volume by Rafe Blaufarb and Claudia Liebeskind presents a broad view of the Napoleonic Wars not found in typical military histories. The introduction recounts the key events of the wars and how they marked a shift in the modern notion of “total war†and provides necessary political and military background on the issues of recruitment and evasion; the military community; combat and its aftermath; the homefront; and demobilization. The rich collection of memoirs; letters; and popular engravings -- from familiar sources such as German infantryman Jakob Walter to an account of a French woman canteen worker -- offers contrasting voices; some offered here in English for the first time. These documents and images explore core civil-military interactions; including foraging; plunder; sexuality; violence; eating; religion; and commerce. Headnotes to the documents; a chronology; questions for consideration; and a selected bibliography provide pedagogical support.
#706762 in Books Mark Roseman 2003-07-01 2003-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .51 x 5.50l; .58 #File Name: 0312422342224 pagesThe Wannsee Conference and the Final Solution A Reconsideration
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book offers a valid reassessment of the Wannsee Conference ...By SemmelweisThis book offers a valid reassessment of the Wannsee Conference. It does not diminish the horror and evil of what they did; but rather gives a much more coherent explanation of why it occurred; when and where it did; why the personnel involved were relatively low level rank for such a task.Part of the more nuanced; deeper understanding of the evil that was the Holocaust. Helps one understand that this was one part in a complex historical event. Perhaps by placing it in context with the overall anti-Semitism of the Nazi functionaries; such historical understanding will help decent people prevent it from happening again.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Technically interesting...By Gerald W. ArcuriI am a long-time student of the Holocaust; and I was curious to see what this book could add to my understanding of the subject. It approaches the topic from a perspective which is somewhat more critical of the purpose of the Wannsee Conference than some other books I have read and tries to construct a balanced explanation of the actual meeting. The prose is not highly readable; but then again; this is a somewhat technical assessment. After finishing the book; I was not certain that I had really gained much insight on the underlying questions regarding Wannsee. Perhaps I was expecting a convincing argument about the meaning and purpose of the conference; when the historical documents don't allow a clear conclusion; but I have to compare the impressions left by this author with everything else I have read; and I just felt that the book describes too vague an agenda for what may actually have happened.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Exceptional bookBy francis lemfieldThis book clarified for me the disparate elements of the Shoah. Before I read this book; the killing almost at times seemed a bit haphazard; taking place at Point A but not at Point B. Why was that the case? In this book one sees the convergence of policies coming to a head at Wannsee; with clarification tragically being brought to life in the ensuing years. Not only well thought out; but well written and presented.
