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  • The Origins of Totalitarianism

  • By: Hannah Arendt
  • Narrated by: Nadia May
  • Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (53 ratings)

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The Origins of Totalitarianism

By: Hannah Arendt
Narrated by: Nadia May
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Publisher's Summary

A recognized classic and definitive account of its subject, The Origins of Totalitarianism traces the emergence of modern racism as an "ideological weapon for imperialism," begining with the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe in the nineteenth century and continuing through the New Imperialism period from 1884 to World War I.

In her analysis of the institutions and operations of totalitarian movements, Arendt focuses on the two genuine forms of totalitarian government in the twentieth century: Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, which she adroitly recognizes as two sides of the same coin rather than opposing philosophies of the Right and Left. From this vantage point, she discusses the transformation of classes into masses, the role of propaganda, and the use of terror essential to this form of government. In her brilliant concluding chapter, she discusses the nature of individual isolation and loneliness as preconditions for total domination.

©1966 Hannah Arendt (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about The Origins of Totalitarianism

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Stunning, indepth political history and diagnostic

Couldn't put this down, the breadth of her mind and work is incredible. Spanning centuries and continents of history, she pieces together the nature of totalitarianism and explains their structural fascinations. Have never read anyone like her

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Hard but worth the effort

Arendt had a brilliant mind that drew connections far and wide. In this book she manages to hold so many strands of thought together and shed light on the complicated contradictory crazy things that humans do. This book is very much worth reading today as it is so relevant for the way the world is turning

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True History

I never thought that I'll be interested in German's history, however it's brilliant and gripping and helped me to understand what's going on in our current events... a perfect cookbook many political systems use to their advantage. Highly recommended.

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Essential reading (listening)

A guide book to understanding the devolution of Christian democracy around the globe

But what to do about it?

Beautifully narrated - Nadia May had me (so easily) suspend disbelief to convince myself that I was listening to Hannah Arendt herself!

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