Documents of the Holocaust

Through popular songs, speeches, newspaper articles, diaries, and survivor testimony, this book provides first-hand accounts of the Holocaust. Each document is an outstanding example of an issue central to how the Holocaust came about and why it matters.

The Holocaust was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. As survivors of that tragedy continue to leave us, it is more important than ever to preserve their testimony and experiences. Through a wide range of primary source documents, this book gives readers first-hand accounts of the Holocaust from different perspectives.



An introduction provides a historical overview of the Holocaust and its lasting significance. A chronology then highlights key events related to the Holocaust. The chapters that follow, each on a different broad topic, present primary source documents related to the Holocaust. These documents are drawn from survivor testimony, newspaper accounts, diaries, speeches, and other sources, and they reflect the perspectives of victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and resisters. Each document is accompanied by an introductory headnote and followed by suggestions for further reading. The book closes with a bibliography of important resources for further study.






An introduction overviews the historical background and significance of the Holocaust



A chronology highlights key events related to the Holocaust



A wide range of primary source documents provides first-hand accounts of different aspects of the Holocaust



Introductory headnotes accompanying each document provide important contextual information



Suggestions for further reading point users to additional sources of information