The first comprehensive reader in Russian history in almost two decades; this collection includes primary and secondary material; much of which has never before been published in English; reflecting the latest scholarship on the subject. Supplemented by over 70 illustrations; selections are introduced by placing them in the context of the work's major themes: state structure; the economy; society; and culture and everyday life. From the multi-ethnic peopling of early Russia to the elite society of the nineteenth century; original sources illuminate such topics as state-building; government and politics; the peasantry and the countryside; clergy and religious communities; and women and gender; making this comprehensive text vital for students of Russian history.
#632364 in Books Nechama Tec 1987-10-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.70 x .80 x 8.70l; .90 #File Name: 0195051947288 pagesWhen Light Pierced the Darkness Christian Rescue of Jews in Nazi Occupied Poland
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. PenetratingBy HHThis sociological study of Poles who helped Jews is based on published accounts and case histories; archival collections; as well as Tec's extensive interviews of Holocaust survivors; both rescued and rescuers. It's an extraordinary book and; I think; an indispensable one for Holocaust studies.Tec's findings could be summarized by the empirical generalization that; whenever and wherever there exists a persecuted minority; there are some members of the majority who are positively disposed toward that minority. It is especially noteworthy in the case of Poles saving Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland; for hiding Jews carried the death penalty. Yet; some Poles risked their own lives by saving Jews. Tec designates them "altruistic helpers." Most Poles; the author states; neither helped the Jews nor aided the Germans in apprehending them. They were simply "uninvolved." While Polish anti-Semitism facilitated and contributed to Jewish annihilation; Tec feels that it was not responsible for it: the ultimate responsibility for the "Final Solution" lies with the Nazis. Early in the war; the Nazis chose Poland as the center for Jewish destruction. Whether in so doing they were prompted by the concentration of Jews or whether they counted on the sympathy of Poles; or both; remains unknown because the Nazis left no records of these decisions.Tec concentrates on the "altruistic" Poles who saved Jews and contrasts them with the paid rescuers: "Altruistic helpers accepted the risks of harboring Jews and; generally; treated them kindly.... Paid helpers; on the other hand; would resort to any means to get rid of Jews and the danger they presented-mistreatment; starvation; even murder." The author concludes that; unlike the paid helpers; "those who risked their lives for others for no tangible rewards were independent individualists who perceived aid to the needy as a simple duty" (p. 193). Tec designates them as "true heroes" of that period: "They were the dormant heroes; often indistinguishable from those around them." These were the "righteous" Christians whom Yad Vashem; the Jerusalem memorial to the Holocaust; honors.One of the most interesting findings is related to Polish "anti-Semitic rescuers." According to Tec; there were some Poles who were anti-Semitic before the war and yet helped Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland. Tec found that the anti-Semitic rescuers were devout Catholics; highly nationalistic; and intellectually and socially prominent. Most of those interviewed stated that they rescued Jews because they were good Christians and could not be silent in face of the bestial treatment of other human beings. In witnessing Nazi atrocities against the Jews; the previously anti-Semitic Poles began to question their old values and to blame themselves for their previous beliefs; which they saw led to the horrendous Nazi crimes.How many Jews were saved by Poles? It is hard to estimate the number. At the end of the war; only 50;000-100;000 Jews remained in Poland out of over 3 million before the war (this includes concentration-camp survivors and Jewish partisans). Another 250;000 Polish Jews survived in Russia; Sweden; Switzerland; the United States; and Palestine. The efforts of Jews to survive among Christians in Poland was a reaction to the Final Solution. The selfless aid from the altruistic Poles and the desire of Jews to pass as Christians were highly interrelated. Of special interest is Tec's sociological treatment of passing and her formulation of a new theory of rescue and rescuers.In conclusion; this is an important book about an important phenomenon -- one that will; I am sure; withstand the test of time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For the purpose of research and curiosity as to the ...By Gerry DenFor the purpose of research and curiosity as to the true plight of the Jews during WWII you could not steer wrong with this book. Though it was dealing specifically with Poland I believe many of the same principals carried over into other parts of Europe. I always wondered why the Jews didn't just run away when the German's came for them. Why would they just go to the camps and ghettos?It is all explained from an authoritative view of a woman that was herself a Jewish child during WWII in Poland. She understood the Poles; and Jews. Her book is compiled of stories that she gathered from witnesses. Don't be intimidated by the size or immediately assume that it wasn't carefully researched by Nechama Tec. The last third of the book is notes and stating where she got her information.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. When LIght Pierced the DarknessBy BrendaGreat book. Tec groups Christians who saved Jews into four groups. She is a Polish Jew who was saved by a Christian family; came to the U.S.; and never wanted to think about the Holocaust until she was working on her thesis. She returned to Poland and wrote about her research. I have read the book twice; lent out my copy; and decided I had to have a backup.
