Summaries of books about European History:
What Was the Holocaust?
Gail Herman|Who HQ
The book provides a concise and accessible introduction to the Holocaust, explaining the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazis during World War II. It also covers the broader context of the war, the experiences of other victim groups, and the aftermath of this tragic period in history.
See full summary
Catastrophe 1914
Europe Goes to War
Sir Max Hastings
The book provides a detailed account of the first year of World War I, examining the military strategies, political dynamics, and human experiences that shaped the early stages of the conflict. It delves into the causes of the war, the failures of diplomacy, and the devastating battles that set the stage for the prolonged and tragic global struggle.
See full summary
One Step Ahead - A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler's Claws
Based on a True Story
Avraham Azrieli
The book narrates the harrowing journey of a Jewish mother of seven who devises a daring plan to escape the clutches of the Nazis during World War II. It details her resourcefulness and courage as she leads her family through a perilous escape across Europe, seeking refuge and survival.
See full summary
Berlin Diary
William L. Shirer
The book is a personal account of the rise of Nazi Germany and the early years of World War II, as witnessed by an American journalist living in Berlin. It chronicles the political climate, key events, and daily life under the Third Reich from 1934 to 1941, providing firsthand observations and insights into the era.
See full summary
Gestapo
The Story Behind Hitler's Machine of Terror
Lucas Saul
The book delves into the history and operations of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany's secret police, detailing their role in enforcing Hitler's policies and the terror they inflicted across Europe. It examines the organization's structure, methods of surveillance and interrogation, and the individuals who were part of this notorious apparatus.
See full summary
How the Irish Saved Civilization
Thomas Cahill
The book explores the pivotal role of Irish monks and scribes during the Dark Ages in preserving the literary and intellectual heritage of ancient Greece and Rome. It credits them with transcribing and safeguarding classical texts, thus ensuring the transmission of Western civilization's foundational knowledge to future generations.
See full summary
Last Hope Island
Britain, Occupied Europe, and the Brotherhood That Helped Turn the Tide of War
Lynne Olson
The book chronicles the role of Britain as a refuge for leaders and military forces from occupied European nations during WWII, detailing how these European exiles contributed to the Allied victory. It highlights the collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships formed between Britain and the European resistance movements, showcasing their combined efforts in espionage, combat, and intelligence that were crucial in defeating the Axis powers.
See full summary
The Life of Elizabeth I
Alison Weir
The book provides a detailed account of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, exploring her political maneuvers, personal relationships, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated era. It delves into her strategies for maintaining power, her court's intricate dynamics, and her legacy as a monarch.
See full summary
Blitzed
Drugs in the Third Reich
Norman Ohler
The book explores the pervasive use of drugs, including methamphetamine, opiates, and cocaine, within Nazi Germany, detailing how soldiers, civilians, and even Adolf Hitler himself were affected by substance abuse. It reveals the impact of these drugs on the war effort and the role of pharmacology in the Nazi regime's ideology and military strategies.
See full summary
They Fought Alone
The True Story of SOE's Agents in Wartime France
Maurice Buckmaster
The book provides a detailed account of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and its covert operations in occupied France during World War II, focusing on the bravery and challenges faced by the agents who worked to sabotage the Nazi war effort. It offers personal anecdotes and insights into the clandestine missions, the risks involved, and the impact of their work on the war's outcome.
See full summary