Edith Stein: The Untold Story of the Philosopher and Mystic Who Lost Her Life in the Death Camps of Auschwitz [Paperback]

Waltraud Herbstrith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1992

This is the powerful and moving story of the remarkable Jewish woman who converted to Catholicism, gained fame as a great philosopher in Germany, became a Carmelite nun, and was put to death in a Nazi concentration camp. Recently beatified by Pope John Paul II, Edith Stein was a courageous, intelligent and holy woman who speaks powerfully to us even today.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Born into a devout German Jewish family, Edith Stein always excelled academically. At university she served as assistant to the phenomenologist Edmund Husserl. Her philosophical inquiries led her first to atheism, then to Catholicism, and finally to life as a Carmelite nun. In August 1942, she was arrested by the Nazis, deported to Auschwitz, and killed. This intellectual and spiritual biography bears witness to her mental and moral depth, depicting her as one who integrated Jewish and Christian values in her saintly life and heroic death. There are few full-length works on Stein in English; this earnest and comprehensive book is recommended. Nancy M. Laskowski, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; 2 edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898704103
• ISBN-13: 978-0898704105
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great bioagraphy, July 18, 2001

By 

"yoco" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edith Stein: The Untold Story of the Philosopher and Mystic Who Lost Her Life in the Death Camps of Auschwitz (Paperback)

Edith Stien was a Jew who in the 1920's of Germany converted to Catholicism and then became a nun much to the dismay of her orthodox mother. Those who are have heard of Edith Stien know that ultimately she was martyred in Auschwitz because of her outspokenness against the Nazi's as well as the fact that the Catholic Church in occupied Holland was the only large church organization willing to preach against the nazi regeim.

What must people don't know about Edith Stien was what an incredibly couragous and brillant woman she was even long before she was martyred. As this book tells the story , often in her own words and in the words of those that were close to her, she was a college professer, philosopher, and political activist at a time when a professional woman was at best a grade school teacher or nurse. Even as a nun she worked on her philosophy and her writing.

Waltraud Herbstrith does an excellent job portraying the complete Edith Stien, Her faith Her family and her intellect. An excellent book.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, December 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Edith Stein: The Untold Story of the Philosopher and Mystic Who Lost Her Life in the Death Camps of Auschwitz (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introduction to the life and thought of Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicta). Waltraud Herbstrith presents a biography that encompases the philosophical, spiritual, and personal aspects of her subject with great care. I came away from this book with a true appreciation for Edith Stein, in particular her writings on women and her deep love of God.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars POWERFUL, ENTHRALLING WORK, January 27, 2000

By 

Nancy T Rosenberg (CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edith Stein: The Untold Story of the Philosopher and Mystic Who Lost Her Life in the Death Camps of Auschwitz (Paperback)

I consider this a "must read" for anyone interested in great women in history. The spiritual insights, life story, and heroic sacrifices of this brilliant woman, who was both a Jew and a Carmellite nun are amazing. Look closely at the cover art, as my interpretation was that Edith Stein possessed the "ear of God." The only complaint I have is the print was far too small. If it comes in a large print edition, you might be wise to order it. My eyesight is fairly normal.