Paperback, 115 pages
Published April 7, 2017 by Olvido Kitap.
In previous books, Holocaust historian Timothy Snyder dissected the events and values that enabled the rise of Hitler and Stalin and the execution of their catastrophic policies. With Twenty Lessons, Snyder draws from the darkest hours of the twentieth century to provide hope for the twenty-first. As he writes, "Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism and communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience."
It was a nice and quick read that provided some nice tips on how to deal with tyranny. Given the current geopolitical tensions, it is an important read (no matter where you are on the political spectrum)
This was an easy to read and digest collection of lessons on tyranny. This isn't an anatomical analysis of what tyranny is nor is it a definitive prescription of cures. It's collection of broad insights that come from historical accounts. The author speaks equally about events under Nazi and Communist governments that provide insights into how tyrannical governments operate.
The writing felt very centrist and balanced. He clearly tried to avoid leaning left or right and simply presented a series of lessons based on factual events.
This was an easy to read and digest collection of lessons on tyranny. This isn't an anatomical analysis of what tyranny is nor is it a definitive prescription of cures. It's collection of broad insights that come from historical accounts. The author speaks equally about events under Nazi and Communist governments that provide insights into how tyrannical governments operate.
The writing felt very centrist and balanced. He clearly tried to avoid leaning left or right and simply presented a series of lessons based on factual events.
