The Origins of Totalitarianism
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The Origins of Totalitarianism
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The Origins of Totalitarianism
The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt is a seminal examination of the rise of totalitarianism in the 20th century. Through a profound and thorough analysis, Arendt explores the complex mechanisms and underpinnings that facilitated the emergence of totalitarian regimes, specifically delving into the horrors of Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union.
Arendt masterfully dissects the various elements that contribute to the formation of a totalitarian state. She illuminates how propaganda serves as a powerful tool in manipulating the masses, the insidious use of terror to enforce absolute obedience, and the disturbing role of isolation and loneliness in making individuals susceptible to total domination. Her analysis is both comprehensive and revealing, presenting a stark warning about the precursors and dangers of absolute power.
First published in 1951, this classic work unexpectedly surged in popularity in 2017, resonating with readers in the context of contemporary political climates. Arendt's insights offer invaluable lessons and chilling reminders of the fragility of freedoms and the pernicious threats posed by totalitarian ideologies. Her exploration goes beyond historical recounting, urging readers to remain vigilant and cognisant of the hazards of unchecked power.
Both scholarly and accessible, The Origins of Totalitarianism continues to be a cornerstone in political theory and philosophy, essential for understanding the dynamics of power and authority. Arendt's eloquence and rigorous intellectual approach make this indispensable read as timely today as it was upon its first publication.
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews highlight that The Origins of Totalitarianism is a profound and insightful work examining how tyranny arises and the dangerous forms of inhumanity it can lead to. Critics commend Hannah Arendt for her deep political analysis, considering it her masterpiece. The book is praised for its relevance to current times and its vivid account of totalitarian regimes, concentration camps, and the philosophical underpinnings of totalitarian domination.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241316757
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 06 April 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 518g
Pages: 752
About the Author
Hannah Arendt was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1906, and received her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Heidelberg. In 1933, she was briefly imprisoned by the Gestapo, after which she fled Germany for Paris, where she worked on behalf of Jewish refugee children. In 1937, she was stripped of her German citizenship, and in 1941 she left France for the United States. Her many books include The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951), The Human Condition (1958) and Eichmann in Jerusalem (1963), in which she coined the famous phrase 'the banality of evil'. She died in 1975.
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