The Gestapo was Hitler's secret police force. Popularly depicted as a central part of an all-powerful 'Big Brother' Nazi totalitarian police state; its primary aim was to hunt down 'the enemies of the people'. Drawing on a detailed examination of previously unpublished Gestapo case files this book relates the fascinating; vivid and disturbing stories of a cross-section of ordinary and extraordinary people who opposed the Nazi regime. It also tells the equally disturbing stories of their friends; neighbours and sometimes even relatives; people drawn into the Gestapo's web of intrigue; either as informers as staff. The book reveals; too; the cold-blooded and efficient methods of the Gestapo officers.This book will reveal that the Gestapo lacked the manpower and resources to spy on everyone; that it was reliant on tip offs from the general public. Yet this did not mean the Gestapo was a weak or inefficient instrument of Nazi terror. On the contrary; it ruthlessly and efficiently targeted its officers against clearly defined political and racial 'enemies of the people'. The book: - Provides a chilling new doorway into the everyday life of the Third Reich. - Gives powerful testimony from the victims of Nazi terror. - Offers a range of fascinating and poignant life stories of those who opposed Hitler's regime. - Unearths new evidence from Gestapo case files. Challenges popular myths on the Gestapo.- It explains the controversies surrounding the Gestapo.
#5534732 in Books 2015-10-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.96 x .78 x 5.96l; .0 #File Name: 1442256583272 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. 'Tallest tree in our forest'By FictionFanIt is clear from very early on that this biography is written by someone who admires Robeson wholeheartedly; both as an artist and as a person. And there is a great deal to admire. A man who stood up against and often overcame the overwhelming prejudice of his time; first in education; then in sport and finally going on to become a huge star both as a singer and an actor. It is perhaps hardly surprising that a man who had to struggle so hard to be accepted in his own country would use his fame to take a political stance. And no more surprising; perhaps; that that stance would eventually all but destroy him.There is a huge amount of detail in this book. Lubasch tells us about Robeson's early life and education; and his years as a college footballer when because of his great skill he was able to gradually push back the boundaries that prevented black men from full participation in the sport. His career as singer and actor is covered extensively with Lubasch telling us where he performed and usually which songs he sang and the size of the audience. This did become a bit repetitive but it was interesting to see how his choice of repertoire changed over the years as his political convictions grew. Lubasch also covers Robeson's marriage in some depth; as well as his important friendships and relationships.The second half of the book still tells us what he was doing as an artist at each stage but Lubasch gradually expands on Robeson's admiration for the Soviet regime and the conflicts that this caused with the US government. Lubasch explains convincingly that Robeson's support for the USSR arose out of the fact that it was the one place in the world where he felt that his colour was not used as a bar. He shows Robeson as one of the earliest of the equal rights campaigners; a forerunner of Martin Luther King Jr; demanding stronger laws against lynching and refusing to perform in any venue which segregated the audience; sometimes putting his personal safety at risk in order to speak or perform.However; Lubasch's warm admiration of Robeson leads him to step very gently around the less savoury aspects of his life - his serial adultery; his rather detached relationship with his son during his early life; his continued support for the USSR even when some of its excesses were becoming known. I felt this was a lack in the book - Lubasch's hesitation to robustly criticise made this account of him feel a bit lightweight and less convincing than it otherwise would. Occasionally; the tone of praise for Robeson is almost sycophantic; perhaps more so to my cynical British ears than it would be to American ones. Overall; though; I found the book very readable and informative; and greatly enhanced by the many photographs and lyrics that are liberally included. I was left with an inspiring picture of Robeson as a man of courage; dignity and integrity. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Spellbinding story of a great American iconBy Byravan ViswanathanWonder how many Americans today know enough about the one and only Paul Robeson. Pitifully very few. This multi talented genius and humanitarian of the 20th. century should be known all over America; more than Columbus; Elizabeth Taylor or Kate Middleton. Author Lubasch has beautifully profiled Paul Robeson as no one has done to this date. There are astounding facts about his numerous performances on stage and screen and many hitherto unknown tidbits from his life that both inspire and sadden the reader. He was not just another African American success story but a true citizen of the world whose heart melted at the sight of the poor; the oppressed and exploited. In addition to his talent as a singer in opera and stage shows one is surprised to learn that he spoke several languages fluently and sang beautifully in Russian; Yiddish; French and Spanish.This book deserves 5 star rating. After I finished it I went right out and purchased two CDs of his favorite songs. I figured it is time for me not to just know about this truly great person but hear his great voice.
