The Auschwitz Volunteer

Beyond Bravery

Nonfiction, History, Jewish, Holocaust, Military, World War II
Cover of the book The Auschwitz Volunteer by Captain Witold Pilecki, Aquila Polonica
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Captain Witold Pilecki ISBN: 9781607720140
Publisher: Aquila Polonica Publication: May 15, 2014
Imprint: Aquila Polonica Language: English
Author: Captain Witold Pilecki
ISBN: 9781607720140
Publisher: Aquila Polonica
Publication: May 15, 2014
Imprint: Aquila Polonica
Language: English

In 1940, the Polish Underground wanted to know what was happening inside the recently opened Auschwitz concentration camp. Polish army officer Witold Pilecki volunteered to be arrested by the Germans and reported from inside the camp. His intelligence reports, smuggled out in 1941, were among the first eyewitness accounts of Auschwitz atrocities: the extermination of Soviet POWs, its function as a camp for Polish political prisoners, and the "final solution" for Jews. Pilecki received brutal treatment until he escaped in April 1943; soon after, he wrote a brief report. This book is the first English translation of a 1945 expanded version. In the foreword, Poland's chief rabbi states, "If heeded, Pilecki's early warnings might have changed the course of history." Pilecki's story was suppressed for half a century after his 1948 arrest by the Polish Communist regime as a "Western spy." He was executed and expunged from Polish history. Pilecki writes in staccato style but also interjects his observations on humankind's lack of progress: "We have strayed, my friends, we have strayed dreadfully... we are a whole level of hell worse than animals!" These remarkable revelations are amplified by 40 b&w photos, illus., and maps.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1940, the Polish Underground wanted to know what was happening inside the recently opened Auschwitz concentration camp. Polish army officer Witold Pilecki volunteered to be arrested by the Germans and reported from inside the camp. His intelligence reports, smuggled out in 1941, were among the first eyewitness accounts of Auschwitz atrocities: the extermination of Soviet POWs, its function as a camp for Polish political prisoners, and the "final solution" for Jews. Pilecki received brutal treatment until he escaped in April 1943; soon after, he wrote a brief report. This book is the first English translation of a 1945 expanded version. In the foreword, Poland's chief rabbi states, "If heeded, Pilecki's early warnings might have changed the course of history." Pilecki's story was suppressed for half a century after his 1948 arrest by the Polish Communist regime as a "Western spy." He was executed and expunged from Polish history. Pilecki writes in staccato style but also interjects his observations on humankind's lack of progress: "We have strayed, my friends, we have strayed dreadfully... we are a whole level of hell worse than animals!" These remarkable revelations are amplified by 40 b&w photos, illus., and maps.

More books from World War II

Cover of the book Racconti Garibaldini by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Modelling a Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R8 by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book The Code of Love by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Battle for the Channel by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book St Lô 1944 by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book All My Love, George by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Airwar over the Atlantic by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Mission to Tokyo by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Beyond the Beachhead by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Nordic Narratives of the Second World War by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book A6M Zero-sen Aces 1940-42 by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book The Axis Forces 1 by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Heinrich Himmler by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Why?: Explaining the Holocaust by Captain Witold Pilecki
Cover of the book Halifax Down! by Captain Witold Pilecki
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy