Customer Reviews

Advocate for the Doomed: The Diaries and Papers of James G. McDonald, 1932-1935

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To be privy to a set of diaries such as these is indeed a rare opportunity. I was loathe to read the last chapters, because I felt as if I was bidding farewell to a man, not only of great courage and determination, but a loyal and devoted friend as well. His travels and experiences are there, open to all who care to share thoughts and frustrations with a man bent on saving human beings, no matter what the cost.
The world would be a different place if his words had been heeded. I eagerly look forward to the next volume of his diaries.

This carefully annotated collection of diary entries and letters is an excellent exploration of the Western response to the rise of the Nazi party and its policies, especially towards its Jewish citizens. It provides much information and insights that would not be present in general histories of the 20th century and even in more specialized histories of the period.

This book puts you in the middle of the action along with James McDonald in the events leading up to WWII. As you read, knowing the rest of the story, you have the opportunity of looking at the attitudes and positions of the people who were shaping history, and one man's efforts to warn and/or save as many people as he could, as recorded day by day.

I haven't finished the book. It is not a quiok read. As a matter of fact, I had intended to skim it, but soon realized I couldn't miss a word of the diary entries or the bridge material (including the footnotes).

The quality of the paper, the binding, and the print is outstanding. This makes a reader friendly presentation of sometimes difficult subject matter. Believe it or not, that does make a difference.