A groundbreaking reexamination of the Holocaust and of how Germans understood their genocidal project Why exactly did the Nazis burn the Hebrew Bible everywhere in Germany on November 9; 1938? The perplexing event has not been adequately accounted for by historians in their large-scale assessments of how and why the Holocaust occurred. In this gripping new analysis; Alon Confino draws on an array of archives across three continents to propose a penetrating new assessment of one of the central moral problems of the twentieth century. To a surprising extent; Confino demonstrates; the mass murder of Jews during the war years was powerfully anticipated in the culture of the prewar years. The author shifts his focus away from the debates over what the Germans did or did not know about the Holocaust and explores instead how Germans came to conceive of the idea of a Germany without Jews. He traces the stories the Nazis told themselves—where they came from and where they were heading—and how those stories led to the conclusion that Jews must be eradicated in order for the new Nazi civilization to arise. The creation of this new empire required that Jews and Judaism be erased from Christian history; and this was the inspiration—and justification—for Kristallnacht. As Germans imagined a future world without Jews; persecution and extermination became imaginable; and even justifiable.
#1926308 in Books 2016-05-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .80 x 5.40l; .0 #File Name: 0300198752208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A fresh; fascinating and authoritative intro.By applewoodHaving enjoyed van Schaik's other books I was curious how he'd present an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism; and I'm not surprised to find it is very fine indeed. Sam's other books have covered a wide range of topics - from the Longchen Nyingtig of Jigme Lingpa; to the ancient buried Tibetan Zen manuscripts of the Dunhuang Caves; and a most excellent overview of Tibet's cultural history - always done with a balance of scholarship and practical understanding. Here he brings this same clear and unassuming approach to a concise and very readable overview of a vast and complex subject (spanning almost 1;300 years).What is unique is how he does this in both a logical and chronological way (from the simple to the complex; and from the basic roots of monastic ethical practices to the refined; exalted life example of a 19th century scholar/mystic saint); with each chapter combining both an introduction to the subject with the historical and philosophical context; as well as a selection of newly translated source material (relying principally on the scholarly writings and liturgical practices of the Sakya school - 12th century Sonam Tsemo; 15th century Gorampa Sonam Senge and 19th century Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo for chapters 4-8). Overall the book is a handsome publication (Yale University Press - Sacred Literature Series) with the main body of the text accompanied by a helpful introductory chapter; plus end notes and extensive bibliography.These are the chapters;1 - An Introduction to the Practice of Tibetan Buddhism2 - A Code of Ethics: the Ten Virtues3 - How to Live: Atisha's Advice4 - Training the Mind: Parting from the Four Attachments5 - The Nature of Things: Distinguishing the View6 - The Path: Introduction to the Tantras7 - Prayer: Liturgy of the Sixteen Elders8 - The Life of a Master: Jamyang Khyentse WangpoThis selection of topics and original translations is broad and culturally specific enough to give both a real taste of the distinctive flavor of the Tibetan traditions as well as the philosophical and spiritual significance of the teachings. And the fact that it is short and reads easily would make it a great introduction for a wide range of people including a friend or family member of someone who is into the tradition; someone interested in Buddhism wondering what it's all about for themselves; someone already involved in a specific school of the Tibetan tradition but wanting a more objective overview; or a basic college level class on Buddhism; Asian Spirituality or comparative religion.Although van Schaik is wonderfully skilled in translating and synthesizing these teachings the translated source material here has a distinctly other worldly flavor - not fantastical; idealized; and romanticized like the early 20th century French explorer Alexandra David Neel's presentation - but plain; innocent; and isolated seeming; reminding me a lot of the present Dalai Lama's first book "Opening the Wisdom Eye"; which was a no frills; no hype outline of the Buddhist path. It was accurate but dry; and in stark contrast to the more polished PR machine of current Tibetan Buddhist publications; but it was also an authentic taste of the tradition from the inside. This book combines this authentic glimpse inside with an outsider's perspective; it is by no means a comprehensive survey; but it does effectively convey the spirit of the religion.Highly recommended.
