4 comments about Chronicle of the Russian Tsars: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial Russia.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed this balanced account of the czars. I wish there could have been more treatment of those that preceded the Romanovs--I guess you'd call them the "Dukes of Muscovy"--but it's probably for obvious reasons (viz., the availability of 15th-century vs. 19th-century sources) that they're slighted. Watch out for editorial problems all over the place. In one diagram, somebody's wife is also indicated as that same somebody's daughter. This is just plain laziness: someone neglected to sufficiently carefully review the diagram and delete the offending 5 mm. line segment. Also, in a factoid box summarizing Nikolai II, his father is listed as Aleksandr II when, in fact, his father was quite obviously Aleksandr III. Also, the book steered uncomfortably clear of some of the unsolved mysteries of the throne, e.g., by reducing the eighteen-day rule of Czar Konstantin (27 Nov.-14 Dec. 1825) to but a single, unstressed sentence. In overall quality, this book compares favorably to the other members of the series: indeed, it is often superior. But, in its striving for balance, it omits some important coverage. More deserves to be said about Ivann IV Vasiliyevich ("The Terrible"--in actuality, "The Awesome" is the proper translation of his title, "Groznij") and Pyotr I Alekseyevich ("The Great") because these czars made outstanding contributions that shaped the character of Russia, not just because they were on the throne for 30+ years. The czars' role in Russian history cannot be compared to the role of any other succession of leaders in the history of any other nations: the czars were the heart and soul of the empire they so tenderly loved with such religious conviction (not to mention "the divine right of kings"); without exaggeration, the czars WERE Russia.



2. The first Russian state emerged in the late 9th century as a federation of Slavic kingdoms and tribes around Kiev, under the leadership of Rurik, who almost certainly was of Scandinavian origin. Later rulers included such major figures as Alexander Nevsky (who defeated the Teutonic Knights) and Vasily II (who made the Orthodox Church independent), but the author begins his survey with Ivan III "the Great" in 1462. Each tsar or tsarina gets a boxed summary of personal data, an historical survey of the reign, a variety of illustrations and relevant maps, and often a basic genealogical drop-chart. Warnes is a well-known scholar of Russian history and culture and his interpretations of five centuries of Russian history are astute and well-written. Specialists in Western Europe often know very little about Russian history and the several dynasties that made it. This volume makes a good ready-reference resource.



3. I received it as a gift and was pleased to see that it is a very good book. Well written, good pictures and well researched. It makes an excellent reference.



4. I love this book it has so much info about the Czar.Ilove the maps time lines and charts one of the best Czar books I ever read.

5 comments about The Truth About Hillary: What She Knew, When She Knew It, and How Far She'll Go to Become President.

1. Up front, I am a Clinton hater. No need to get into details. With this book, I found that I knew most of the documented facts inside already. The author attempted to place all these facts chronologically into a time line. So far- so good ...interesting read. Somewhere he turned into a mind reader and started explaining things he couldn't possibly know. In a certain "matter of fact" way, he turned his opinions into fact. He doesn't really try to hide what he does. It's like he thinks that's what I want to hear. So the book is really aimed at entertainment and not shining light on any newly available facts. The Clintons are criminals and it's easy enough to make a case without this fluff. Dick Morris is more able to pull off this type of "inside the mind of the beast" reporting because of his close experience with the Clintons. This author needs to objectify more.



2. For any British reader who fails to understand why a majority of Americans say they 'will never vote for Hilary', this book should go some way to clarifying things. Ruthless and privilaged, one of the most hated politicians in America may yet, once more, be occupying the seat of the most powerful man in the world.
   
   This book shows just how far Mrs Clinton is prepared to put on hold any sense of dignity or moral opprobrium in order to gain another eight long years in the White House. In particular, while her husband was busy having non-sexual relations with (i.e sexually abusing) a star struck young intern in the sanctity of the oval office, Hilary simply continued pulling the levers of government, doing nothing until the scandal broke and she realised it could scupper her own chance of eventually seizing full and legitimate control of America.
   
   Unpleasent reading indeed. But if you are an American and considering voting for Hilary, perhaps just to stop Bomb Bomb Iran, read this book, have a stiff brandy and then consider thinking again.



3. Shipment was prompt and book is in "like new" condition. Have never had a problem with a book purchased through Amazon!



4. About the time Bill Clinton was under scrutiny about Monica a former lesbian Aid was murdered at a Starbucks in Washington , DC. She was a outspoken Lesbian. At first there was speculation that maybe Bill Clinton had her done in. But in light of the book The truth about Hillary Clinton one might wonder if her opereatives snuffed out this girl. Everyone was killed in this shop. They think that silencers were used.



5. If you want to learn about all of the ways that you can criticise another person, deserved or not, please read this book. The author criticizes Hillary for sleeping, for not sleeping enough and for sleeping too much. He criticizes her for being too sexual and not sexual enought. It is crazy! He occasionally mentions her politics.
   
   I voted for O'Bama, but Hillary is an incredible person. It is bizzare to criticise her for being a person and sleeping! All of the rest is equally as illogical and self-contradictory.
   
   It is nothing but treatise on hate which is necessarily illogical.

No comments about Ferraro: My Story.

3 comments about Feingold: A New Democratic Party.

1. Horwitt portrays Senator Russ Feingold as a principled guy with a passion for progressive politics who worked his way to the top all the way from the bottom rung by connecting with and listening to people. That's exactly who Russ Feingold is and that's exactly what a Senator should be.
   
   The first half of the book includes a short biography of Russ's life with special emphasis on the events that encouraged him to enter national politics. The second half of the book focuses on the events that define Russ Feingold. Whether the instances concern campaign financing, the vote on the Patriot Act or the vote on Bill Clinton's impeachment, Russ proves that he is not a panderer or a partisan but ultimately he supports what's in the best interest of his beloved state, Wisconsin, and his beloved country, the United States of America.



2. I've always been proud that Russ Feingold represents me in the Senate and this book enhanced my knowledge of his story and made me even prouder to call him My Senator. In such a mobile society, it is good to know that Feingold's roots run deep in Wisconsin. It was fascinating to learn some of the decision making process behind the principled stands he has taken through the years. He is a politician who considers The Constitution to be the touch stone of our government and as relevant today as ever in our history.
   
   I think many Wisconsinites would find the historical references to local names and places stories fascinating. But I also highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks there is no one still willing to stand up against the big money interests for Constitutional principled government. Russ Feingold is one of the real people our founders were hoping would govern us. I agree with the previous reviewer that young people would benefit from reading this book to give them hope and an ethical guide, we sorely need heroes.



3. Many reviews have noted the simplicity of Horwitt's book about Senator Feingold, all for the good I say. Horwitt brings a clarity to the life of a rare individual and politician, similiar to his book on the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky. The author takes us through the life of Feingold, from small town Wisconsin youth to brilliant academic achiever to ever thoughtful and ethical politician. You have a front row seat through all the elections that Feingold has won, and understand that he did it on principle, even though many times he was seen as the likely loser because he wouldn't play ball the old (unethical) way. Feingold and his staff often had to use creativity, instead of lots of money, to win campaigns. Media watchers will love reading about the hilarious shoe-string television commercials that were created for Feingold's astounding wins.
   Political junkies will love the analysis of Feingold's most important senate work in Wisconsin and in the U.S. Senate. From BGH (bovine growth hormone), Campaign finance reform, the Patriot Act, the Iraq war, and much of his work in regard to civil liberties. If you want to know about any of these things: Wisconsin, the U.S. Senate, ethics, politics, the Progressive movement in history, the constitution, where we go from here - you will want to read this book. And then if you have a young child or even a college age child, interested in politics or upset with the lawlessness of our times, give them this book. People like Russ Feingold are our hope for the future. Give your child hope and maybe they can change the world too.

5 comments about Fire at Eden's Gate: Tom McCall & the Oregon Story.

1. Over the past 25 years I have read dozens of biographies. Most are not much more than a chronological listings of a person's accomplishments with little depth or analysis. This is one of the few biographies I have read that helps us understand the person which is what a real biography should do. But it is more than a biography. It helps us understand the life and the times of Tom McCall. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get to know Tom McCall, Oregon political history of the mid 20th century and the environmental movement.



2. More than two decades after his death, almost three decades after he left the governor's office, Tom McCall remains the defining figure of Oregon politics. It was during his tenure in office (1967-1975) that Oregon gained its reputation as a national leader in innovative public policy.

   The McCall era saw Oregon protect virtually all of its beaches for public use; adopt the first bottle bill in the nation; clean up the Willamette River; adopt the country's first statewide land-use planning system; and much more. Although many of these concepts did not originate with McCall, he was the catylist and provided the leadership to make them a reality.

   This era is brilliantly chronicled by Brent Walth in "Fire At Eden's Gate." Walth, a reporter for the Eugene Register-Guard, and now The Oregonian, knows the state and its leadership well, and this allows him to tell the McCall story with comprehensiveness and clarity. But this is more than a political biography; Walth also chronicles the story of McCall's celebrated family (including grandfather Thomas W. Lawson, "the Copper King"), his path to the governor's office, and his sometimes troubled personal life.

   Anyone interested in understanding Oregon public life in the second half of the 20th century should enjoy and benefit from reading this well-crafted biography.




3. This biography of the modern day father of Oregon, makes this native long for days past. For days when Oregon was a leader on the national politcla/cultural/social scene.

   Walth does an excellent job detailing not only the political successes of one of Oregon's greatest politicians, but also of the man's personal shortcomings.

   I am not certain how much appeal this book will have to non-Oregonian's or people who are unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest, but I feel that it should be required reading by all students of political science attending Oregon universities.

   Our state legislators who are constantly invoking McCall's name and legacy to advance their own political gains, would do well to read this biography. Our elected officials of today pale in comparison to the individual giants of years past.




4. I am a Native Oregonian living on the east coast and this book helped me understand why I feel like a fish out of water in the midst of uncontrolled suburban sprawl, minimal recycling facilities, and chemical pollution violations are repeatedly ignored by local politicians.
   Mr. Walth's book was exciting to read. I recommend it to anyone seeking to understand Oregonians and why we're so proud of the place we call home. Brent Walth tells the story of how Tom McCall gave us that pride.



5. Deserves a place in every hotel and bed/breakfast gift shop across Oregon -- for visitors to the Pacific Northwest to pick up. Walth tells the McCall story and in doing so coaches the reader about the things Oregonians are the most passionate about. Most of us cannot travel to another state and name their most famous governor -- yet McCall's legacy is often mentioned by domestic and international visitors to Oregon.

5 comments about Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson.

1. In Twilight at Monticello, I was looking for an accessible portrait of Thomas Jefferson the planter, neighbor, and family man. I got exactly that while simultaneously revisiting Jefferson the politician, history-maker, philosopher, and visionary. The great man was always there facing the mundane, the day-to-day difficulties of clashing personalities, mounting debt, and the inescapable effects of aging.
   Crawford's prose is relaxed, yet precise - a pleasant balance between hard facts and evocative descriptions. He's an incredibly efficient storyteller, deftly drawing dozens of characters, while steadily revealing Jefferson himself.
   Crawford's organization is fundamentally chronological, pausing from time-to-time for a story or discussion, such as Jefferson's philosophical struggle with the institution of slavery contrasted with his relationship with Sally Hemmings. Other "subplots" are skillfully and dramatically carried across the book - like the gruesome story of Jefferson's nephew Isham Lewis or Jefferson's relationship with the thoughtful and determined Edward Coles.
   Monticello, Poplar Forest and Albemarle County come to life as well -- from the fog rolling over the Blue Ridge mountains, to the terraced gardens, to the charged excitement of Court Day in Charlottesville.
   Jefferson the intellectual is never lost in this look at his later years. The reader finishes with a good grasp of Jefferson's world view and how it impacted his relationships with friends and family members. Irony fills Jefferson's old age, yet tragedy and pain can never really dampen his extraordinary vision.
   Crawford paints Jefferson and life at Monticello with a swift, broad stroke, still the book is rich with detail. It is an engaging springboard to a wealth of Jefferson scholarship. Crawford left me wanting more, which in this case, is a very good thing.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being retired and elderly my self I am interested to see how others reach closure on their lives.
   
   What interested me is the consistency of Jefferson's response to the ebb and flow of his life. Denial was his main ego defense and he honed its use till there was barely a pause between the event and his response.
   
   You realize you are dealing with a good man beset by what he wanted and his ability to deliver for himself and his family. You are saddened by the life he dealt his grandson Jefferson Randolph, then self protectively blaming Jeff for not finishing his education.
   
   Reading about his son in law and his grand daughters husband, Charles Bankhead one wishes that AA had been created 200 years earlier. Jefferson was remarkably insightful in his realization that Alcoholism was a medical illness.
   
   Jefferson spoke to me when he wrote,
   
   "When you and I look back on the country over which we have passed, what a field of slaughter does it exhibit! Where are all the friends who entered it with us, under all the inspiring energies of health and hope? As if pursued by the havoc of war, they are strewed by the way, some earlier, some later, and scarce a few stragglers remain to count the numbers fallen, and to mark yet, by their own fall, the last footsteps of their party. Is it a desirable thing to bear up through the heat of action, to witness the death of all our companions, and merely be the last victim?
   
   I recommend this thoughtful book to you.



3. Bought the book thinking I would learn more about Monticello but discovered so much more about Jefferson. What an interesting man but also full of faults. I had only known about his presidency and his various inventions but this book had fascinating information about his personal life, his family and all the troubles they all encountered over the years.
   
   I enjoyed the book so much I emailed the author to tell him so and he responded. I waiting for the delivery of a second of his books. Can't wait because he writes the kind of book you can't put down. And you come away learning a great deal as well.



4. An interesting perspective on Thomas Jefferson at the end of his life and his belief in his entitlement.



5. This book discusses the extended family, the estate and the retirement activities of our third president. It's well written, but it's a once over lightly.
   
   While we meet the family members (a family chart is very much needed), we don't understand them. I thought I somewhat knew daughter Martha, but in the end she punishes a slave in a very unseemly manner which didn't fit any impression I had had. While there are character differences between the sons-in-law, their big fight and its aftermath seem to be wedged in, rather than a culmination of differences between the two men. Crawford does a very good job in presenting the story of the Hemings family, but again there is no way to understand them.
   
   The estate and its furnishings are well described. There is a floor plan for the main building and photos and drawings of the grounds and of the other residences. There is little on the slave quarters. A map locating all the family residences would have been helpful. Unlike many writers who cover the finacial past Crawford gives benchmarks to help in understanding the scale of costs and deficits.
   
   What is told of Jefferson's activities is good, but since the retirement spans 18 years there has to be more than what is given. Jefferson's work is always an extension of his philosophy, and Crawford's best work is here. He gives the clearest description of Jefferson on slavery that I have read (inclusive of his holding Britian responsible for rooting it in the new world) and his religious beliefs and views.
   
   While the above review has a lot on the negative side, the problems are not about what apprears, but about what could (or maybe should) have been included. I recommend the book. It reads very well-- in fact--- it reads so well its biggest shortcoming is that there isn't more of it.

5 comments about The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story of Kastur Gandhi, Wife of Mahatma Gandhi.

1. It is wonderful to find a book about Kastur (Kasturba) Gandhi ("Ba" as she was known) wife of the legendary Mahatma Gandhi that debunks many historians who have depicted her as an inept fool who hadn't the foggiest notion as to what her husband tried to achieve.
   
   Arun Gandhi is the fifth grandson of Mahatma (Mohandas) and Kastur Gandhi through his second son Manilal Gandhi. Together with his late wife Sunanda, the couple have generated an extraordinary read in The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story of Kastur Gandhi. Here is a book that is not only informative and accessible, but also graced by an elegance and sensitive understanding of a grandmother who was far from being ignorant or clueless a propos the importance of her husband's mission in life.
   
   Arun informs his readers in the introduction that he refuses to believe that his grandmother Kastur was incompetent as this was not his experience, nor that of his parents. Although she may not have been formally educated and could not read or write, upon reading this fascinating book we discover she certainly was far from being an unaware and a blundering fool. And as Arun states: "without her unstinted cooperation Grandfather could not have achieved the spiritual heights that he did."
   
   
   Beginning with an account of the Satyagraha struggle which Gandhi led in South Africa for seven years, Kastur had to give up a great deal and make sacrifices while living an austere life that many a woman would have rebelled against and probably would have also thrown out their husbands. There is even an anecdote where Mahatma wanted to turf out Kastur from their home.
   
   Perhaps initially she may not have understood her husband's technique of passive resistance that ruled out both verbal and physical violence, however, eventually she did come around to accept its principles as she championed it and embraced it whole heartedly. As Arun mentions, "that even though she could not, on her own account, accept any of her husband's peculiar new notions unless she was convinced he was right, she would always try to understand his way of thinking and, whenever possible, acquiesce to his wishes."
   
   What I found astonishing was her acceptance of her husband's harsh and sometimes cruel treatment of their children, herself, relatives and others. In other words, living with Mahatma Gandhi, when he was around, (he spent many years languishing in prison) or moving from one place to another and accepting his celibacy was not exactly a picnic!
   
   In spite of this, according to Arun, there does not seem to be a rejected or resentful long-suffering wife, nor was there a troubled guilt-ridden husband. As he goes on to say, "what is clear is Kasturba's willing acceptance of her husband's vows of poverty and celibacy had quieted his private turmoil of mind and spirit. Mohandas now felt free as never before to answer public calls to action."
   
   Arun and Sunanda Gandhi have done a splendid job in chronicling the life of Kastur and her struggles to overcome her reticence to initially accept her husband's principles, although at times I felt there was too much written about his grandfather rather than his grandmother.
   
   Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures



2. A good attempt by Arun Gandhi to tell the world more about *the woman* behind the succesful Man,Mahatma.But its more an account of Gandhiji's life and then and there he sheds light on Kasturbhai Gandhi which I am sure anybody would know by reading "My Experiments with Truth" by Gandhiji.But its still a good biography to read about the Gandhi family.



3. This is the first book I read that focuses on the life of Gandhi and Kasturba, and not on the political situations of the time. It talks more about how Gandhi and Kasturba handled different and often difficult decisions they made during their lifetime.

   This book talks a lot about how Kasturba endured and supported Gandhi's extreme ideals ( simplicity of living at any cost).
   It was a continuous struggle for her to strike a balance betn. following Gandhi's ideals and providing the best possible care and tutoring for her children.

   The focus on truth at all costs (even at the cost of disowning their eldest child - Manilal) shines thru in this book.




4. I liked this book, but there wasn't enough in it about Kastur. There are virtually no quotes by her in the whole book. It is mostly a narrative about the life of Mahatma and then talks about her in his life here and there. I still enjoyed it, though, as the story of their life and times is amazing and inspiring.



5. A wonderful and important book that tells the story of Kastur Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi. It is important that people know that Gandhi's wife played a part in helping to - peacefully - gain independence for India. I have met the authors and they are wonderful people.

1 comments about Suetonius: Diuus Claudius (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics).

1. A new commentar on anceint Latin source is always a reason for celebration among the lovers of Roman history and culture.

   This book of Donna W. Hurley is by far much more than the usual textual comments for students of Latin language. It is a comprehensive review of almost all what is worth knowing about Claudius and about the biograpy written by Suetonius, all this in addition to the very educating learned comments and explanations on the text per-se.

   The writer shows great mastery of the relevant research findings, both about the emperor Claudius and Suetonius himself.

   The only shortcoming of the book is that it is not a book for the casual educated reader which may find it difficult to encompass. This book shall serve best those who are well acquainted with the history of Rome and the Latin language. Such readers will have endless hours of great pleasure.

2 comments about The Journal of John Winthrop, 1630-1649, Abridged Edition (The John Harvard Library).

1. A classic American text, long out of print; if it weren't for the curse word "abridged," deserving of a perfect 5. The Puritans' first twenty-plus years are nowhere better served than in this rational, calm man who spent the better part of his life trying to steer a course between fanaticism and worldly involvement. Anybody who wants to understand how mainstream American culture began needs to acquaint themselves with this seminal work -- if you can handle the omissions.



2. Richard Dunn's long-awaited scholarly edition of John Winthrop's journal was well worth the wait. He presents a text as close to the original as it is now possible to come, with clear editorial method, solid supporting notes and a helpful introduction. The only legitimate complaint is that the index could be more comprehensive. This is, and will doubtless long remain, the only entirely recommendable edition of the Winthrop journal, one of the great early American sources.
   
   Please note: THIS REVIEW refers to the full, UNabridged hardcover edition, not the paperback student abridgement: the hardcover is the only version truly useful for scholarly purposes. The abridgement is useful for college classes, and is well-done, but any true student of colonial New England must acquire the full version. (The abridgment does, oddly, have an index that is sometimes superior, however.)

5 comments about Defying Hitler: A Memoir.

1. Excellent book on the rise of the Nazis by an author with a very humane and sensible view of life who lived through the events. Haffner gives voice to the average Germans who witnessed the rise of Hitler and did not approve - the majority, as it turns out - but who could simply not make sense of the madness around them nor could they find a way to realistically oppose the Nazis.
   
   Haffner's narrative is often touching as he discusses personal events of his own, friends' and family's, illustrating how the sphere of their private lives was affected by politics. The result is that it reads like a 'non-fiction novel', and one extremely relevant for contemporary world events.
   
   It is a pity that Haffner never actually concluded the book. In the last section, his son briefly explains what happened after the abrupt ending of the narrative, thus we miss the detail and richness that Hafner's own perspective would have undoubtedly provided. Still, it is an unmissable book, packed with lessons for present and future generations.



2. Sebastian Haffner's "Defying Hitler" has an ambitious initial scope - to chronicle the rise of Hitler from 1918-1939. The memoir is "unfinished" in that the narrative leaves off in 1933 as Haffner put down writing the manuscript with the advent of World War II and never came back to it. Haffner's son, Oliver Pretzel ultimately had the work published after Haffner's death.
   
   Even in its "unfinished" condition, the work is a masterpiece. Haffner's purpose is not to excuse the average German in germany to succumbing to Nazism and to Hitler but rather to EXPLAIN the phenomenon. Excusing it would simply be post hoc. Explaining it serves the additional function of future application.
   
   Defying Hitler was a difficult thing to do in practice. One could certainly not do so in public. The repression of Nazism in Germany was all the more pervasive by its reach into the private sphere and by doing so, obliterating the prior German distinction between public and private. The only safe way to defy Hitler was, ultimately emigration.
   
   Haffner's narrative is frank, honest and ironic. It was a joy to read.
   
   Finally, a word about Robert Whitfield, the reader of the Audio edition of "Defying Hitler." I believe there are instances in which the audio edition of a work is equal to or superior to the printed version. These instances of "audio excellence" are directly related to the quality of the reader. Robert Whitfield repeatedly accomplishes "aduio excellence." Whitfield's diction is spot on, his tone fluctuates to match the text. If the text is ironic, so then is Whitfield's tone. If the text is frank, so then is Whitfield's tone. If the text contains italics for emphasis, that emphasis is contained within Whitfield's voice. In short, his contributions always enhance a book and never detract from it. For other texts read by Robert Whitfield, I would recommend Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and The Abolition of Man & the Great Divorce: Library Edition by C.S. Lewis.



3. This is a powerful story of the rise of the Nazi movement with scary parallels to modern day events. The question has often been asked how the Germans could allow this to happen and Haffner does an amazing job at describing how. Along with a controlled media, one method was to turn the volume of fear and intimidation one little almost imperceptible increment at the time. Most people just laughed at the antics of Hitler and his crowd in the beginning, but by the time that people caught on to the seriousness of the issue it was too late. By this time many secretly just hoped that it would go away like a bad dream, but history tells a different story.
   
   The difference with this book is that it is told from a very human perspective from an ordinary German who was living through those times and who saw the transformation of German society and social interaction.
   
   Along with this book I would recommend the movie V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition), and the book Political Ponerology (A Science on the Nature of Evil Adjusted for Political Purposes), which describes the process by which a society is taken over, and by what kind of people.
   
   Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it. This book is an important book to read so as to be better able to read the warning signs before it is too late.



4. Amazing book! Proves that not all Germans were rabid Nazis. A personal journey through a unique perspective on how and why the Nazis were able to assume power, as well as why the Germans were unable to stop them. Highly recommended!



5. 
   
   This is the story of Sebastian Haffner, a man who lived in Germany during Hitler's rise to power. I loved hearing the story from the perspective of the average German. I can't imagine living in such tumultuous times, but reading this book gives me a glimpse. The best part about it is the fact that it tries to answer two very important questions: how on earth a regime like the Nazis could rise to power, and how almost the entire nation where corrupted by them. It's a wonderful story that I would recommend to anyone that is the bit interested in that period. Remember, it's by understanding the past that we can best keep from repeating it.