By
– July 26, 2012
This reader in the history of the Holocaust is divided into six roughly chronological sections that include both primary and secondary sources. The mixture of sources is appropriate for this type of reader, which is meant mainly for college undergraduates. The primary sources, which have been previously published, reflect some of the most important and meaningful documents from the period— originating with the Nazi perpetrators and their Jewish victims. However, the book has neither a bibliography nor an index. Also missing from this reader are discussions of some of the key issues in Holocaust historiography, such as Jewish resistance, bystanders, rescue, and justice, to name only a few obvious ones. Still, as an introductory guide, this book fills an important niche and belongs in every Holocaust library.
Abraham J. Edelheit is an associate professor of history at Kingsborough Community College (CUNY) and the author, co-author, or editor of eleven books on the Holocaust, Zionism, Jewish and European history, and Military affairs. His most recent publication appeared in Armor magazine, the official journal of the US Army Armor and Cavalry Command.