A brilliant; haunting; and profoundly original portrait of the defining tragedy of our time.In this epic history of extermination and survival; Timothy Snyder presents a new explanation of the great atrocity of the twentieth century; and reveals the risks that we face in the twenty-first. Based on new sources from eastern Europe and forgotten testimonies from Jewish survivors; Black Earth recounts the mass murder of the Jews as an event that is still close to us; more comprehensible than we would like to think; and thus all the more terrifying. The Holocaust began in a dark but accessible place; in Hitler's mind; with the thought that the elimination of Jews would restore balance to the planet and allow Germans to win the resources they desperately needed. Such a worldview could be realized only if Germany destroyed other states; so Hitler's aim was a colonial war in Europe itself. In the zones of statelessness; almost all Jews died. A few people; the righteous few; aided them; without support from institutions. Much of the new research in this book is devoted to understanding these extraordinary individuals. The almost insurmountable difficulties they faced only confirm the dangers of state destruction and ecological panic. These men and women should be emulated; but in similar circumstances few of us would do so. By overlooking the lessons of the Holocaust; Snyder concludes; we have misunderstood modernity and endangered the future. The early twenty-first century is coming to resemble the early twentieth; as growing preoccupations with food and water accompany ideological challenges to global order. Our world is closer to Hitler's than we like to admit; and saving it requires us to see the Holocaust as it was -- and ourselves as we are. Groundbreaking; authoritative; and utterly absorbing; Black Earth reveals a Holocaust that is not only history but warning.
#205981 in Books Ingramcontent 2017-07-10 2017-07-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.70 x .80 x 8.40l; #File Name: 0993415261208 pagesSlybirds A Photographic Odyssey of the 353rd Fighter Group During the Second World War
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. WWII fighter group history that brings this era to lifeBy Margo DuncanWe have leant this book to friends and they have enjoyed it so much we got extra to give as gifts! It is such a good read. Many personal photographs that are well captioned with small datails that do not get included in other such books. The author displays a depth of knowledge that is outstanding.If someone is even slightly interested in this period of time I expect they will find the book fascinating.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Terrific and Triumphant Record of the 353rd Fighter Group!!By Mark CopelandFor over four decades; I have been a student of Eighth Air Force Fighter Command history. The 353rd Fighter Group has always been close to my heart; having known several of the veterans throughout the years. The 353rd Fighter Group has always been somewhat overshadowed by the achievements and notoriety of groups such as the Fourth Fighter Group; the 56th Fighter Group and the 357th and 352nd Fighter Groups; respectively.The author; Graham Cross has been the world’s leading authority on the “Slybird Group†for many years. His cornerstone book; Jonah’s Feet are Dry (published in 2001); is a complete history of the 353rd Fighter Group. It still stands today; in my opinion; as the pinnacle of all Eighth Air Force Fighter Command unit histories.When I first heard that this book was in the works and Graham Cross was the author; I thought; what else could he possibly write on the 353rd Fighter Group? Having just received the book; I was totally and pleasantly surprised!! The photographs in this latest volume from Fighting High Publishers are absolutely astonishing and will surely captivate the reader as you turn every page. The content gives a broad brushstroke to not only the history of the group; but the supporting groups that ultimately played an integral part to the success of the 353rd Fighter Group.Dr. Cross does a masterful job of including the pilots from the 353rd Fighter Group that participated in “Bill’s Buzz Boys†and the innovations that the 353rd Fighter Group made in their ground attack tactics. The book has a splendid flow to it as each chapter outlines the respective squadron’s history; aircraft accidents; nose art and famous aircraft; POWS and Evadees and life in and around Goxhill and Raydon.This book certainly rivals the effort of Peter Randall and Nigel Julian’s excellent volume on the 56th Fighter Group; published by Steven Darlow and Fighting High Publishing in 2015. This book belongs on the bookshelf; right next to the 56th Fighter Group!!Lastly; the book concludes with a beautiful tribute to those 353rd Fighter Group personal that lost their lives during the war.You can feel the author’s knowledge; passion; dedication and respect to the 353rd Fighter Group in every page. I cannot recommend this book enough.Dr. Cross has truly done a masterful job in perpetuating the legacy and history of the 353rd Fighter Group. This volume belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who has an interest in Eighth Air Force Fighter Command history!!Well done; Graham Cross and Fighting High Publishers!!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must-read for fans of aerial military historyBy John HawkesAs the son of a proud member of the 353rd; I was thrilled to learn of Graham Cross's plans to release this book. And the finished product is absolutely spectacular. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the aerial history of the Second World War. Exquisitely written and filled with photos that will take you behind the scenes with the people who made the 353rd run; this book is truly a visual treat. You'll enjoy this one!
