The Destruction of the European Jews (Paperback)

by Raul Hilberg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
First published in 1961, Raul Hilberg's comprehensive account of how Germany annihilated the Jewish community of Europe spurred discussion, galvanised further research, and shaped the entire field of Holocaust studies. This revised and expanded edition of Hilberg's classic work extends the scope of his study and includes 80,000 words of new material, particularly from recently opened archives in eastern Europe, added over a lifetime of research. It is the definitive work of a scholar who has devoted more than 50 years to exploring and analysing the realities of the Holocaust. Spanning the 12-year period of anti-Jewish actions from 1933 to 1945, Hilberg's study encompasses Germany and all the territories under German rule or influence. Its principal focus is on the large number of perpetrators - civil servants, military personnel, Nazi party functionaries, SS men, and representatives of private enterprises - in the machinery of death.

About the Author
Raul Hilberg is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Vermont

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Holmes & Meier (September 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0841909105
• ISBN-13: 978-0841909106
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #228,144 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An historical masterpiece., August 1, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Philadelphia, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Destruction of the European Jews (Hardcover)

More than any other book, this one answers the question, "How did it happen?"

Mr. Hilberg provides the reader with the historical foundations for the Holocaust, and then relates in great detail the entire administrative process, without which the holocaust could not have occurred. I have read the book several times and never cease to be impressed with the thorough understanding and objectivity that Mr. Hilberg lends to the subject.

If you are seeking emotion and high drama, this book is definitely not what you are looking for. But if you want to know how such a horrible thing could have occurred, and the full extent participation by bureaucrats and ordinary citizens, this book is the best by far.

20 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Standard Work on the Holocaust, March 6, 2004

By	Paul Ortiz (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Destruction of the European Jews, 3 Volume Set (Third Edition) (Hardcover)

After nearly half a century, Hilberg's monumental work continues to be the standard work in the field. Hilberg's research methods, his attention to context, and his literary genius continues to inspire new generations of historians. The first college lecture I ever gave--on the Holocaust--was based on this book in conjunction with Arendt's "Banality of Evil." Of course, you must read "Destruction" in tandem with Hilberg's heart-wrenching memoir "Politics of Memory" to grasp fully the triumphs and tragedies of the greatest Holocaust historian.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFUL RESEARCH!, November 7, 2006

By	Celso Zilbovicius - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the best books I have ever read about the holocaust. A serious research and it is indeed a great contribution for the studies on this horrible moment of the history of mankind!