In 1939, the Nazi regime’s plans for redrawing the demographic map of Eastern Europe entailed the expulsion of millions of Jews. By the fall of 1941, these plans had shifted from expulsion to systematic and total mass murder of all Jews within the Nazi grasp. This book is the most detailed and comprehensive analysis ever written of what took place during this crucial period – of how, precisely, the Nazis’ racial policies evolved from persecution and “ethnic cleansing” to the Final Solution of the Holocaust. Thoroughly researched and lucidly written, this groundbreaking work provides an essential chapter in the history of the Holocaust. A History Book Club Main Selection; Book of the Month Club Selection; Military Book Club Selection.
“This magisterial work does offer us something new – an unrivaled account of how the Nazi leadership ended up with a policy of industrialized mass murder of Jews as it fought a war of territorial expansion against the threats supposedly posed by Polish nationalism and Soviet Bolshevism. Probably no one is better qualified for this task than Christopher R. Browning.” [The New York Times]
“…culmination of excellent research work by Christopher Browning… outstanding quality… work by an historian at the peak of his powers, authoritative and in-depth book.” [Ian Kershaw, Corriere della Serra]
“Pioneering work… powerful book that will undoubtedly serve as source for learning and research for the coming decades.” [Neil Atcheson, Observer]