Raul Hilberg's The Destruction of the European Jews is a classic in its field and a landmark historical text. First published in 1961, The Destruction of the European Jews was, and remains, one of the most comprehensive works of research on the Holocaust. The tome has been re-released in a three-volume set, revealing the level of complexity and comprehensiveness the author originally imparted. The Destruction of the European Jews therefore continues to have relevance today and is a must-have feature of scholarly bookshelves.
What makes The Destruction of the European Jews unique and indispensible is the fact that it focuses more on the German genocide project than on Jewish culture. This permits insight into the sociology, psychology, ethics, and politics of genocide: allowing scholars to apply Hilberg's analysis to other instances of genocide. The account is grim, eerie, and disturbing. For those who have not yet visited Auschwitz or any other concentration camp, Hilberg describes the processes of mass murder with enough detail to suffice as armchair travel.
Hilberg's book is also rational and even quantitative at times. The author provides ample data, facts, and figures in the forms of tables and charts. Hilberg provides information on the actual instruments used to annihilate the Jews. Human hands operated everything from rifles to crematory ovens to bone crushers. These modern instruments of torture are difficult to fathom. That is, until Hilberg manages to put it all into perspective. The author asserts that the German death machine was a product of evil genius: the creation of a highly organized and bureaucratic model that ensured efficiency and obedience. Nothing was left to chance. Each arm and leg of the Nazi organization was calculated, crafted, and finely honed. Policies were polished and perfected. Leaders and their subordinates had clearly defined roles and goals. Hilberg controversially contrasts the well-oiled German...
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