Eichmann in Jerusalem

A Report on the Banality of Evil

By: Hannah Arendt

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Sparking a flurry of heated debate, Hannah Arendt's authoritative and stunning report on the trial of German Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann first appeared as a series of articles in The New Yorker in 1963. This revised edition includes material that came to light after the trial, as well as Arendt's postscript directly addressing the controversy that arose over her account. A major journalistic triumph by an intellectual of singular influence, Eichmann in Jerusalem is as shocking as it is informative - an unflinching look at one of the most unsettling (and unsettled) issues of the 20th century.

©1963 Hannah Arendt (P)2011 Tantor

Thought provoking to say the least

the epilogue was the most important part, Hannah shows how law is designed to work and how putting Adolf Eichmann on trial felt strange.

Awe inspiring to see such a great mind at work

This is my first exposure to Hannah Arendt. It won’t be my last. The way she takes apart complex questions and reveals the inner workings of them puts her among the first tier of logicians. Her ability to understand the limitations of others and fully put herself into the mindset of Eichmann puts her in the company of skilled novelists. Those gifts together? Amazing. Sharp mind and a sharp tongue, which clearly (from the introduction’s explanation) got her in a lot of trouble.
The narrator was amazing, too, using a consistent accent for Eichmann that helped me place when words were quotations when otherwise the heard text wouldn’t have made that clear. Brava.

Compelling, concise, colloquial

Arendt is one of the most important political thinkers of the 20th century and her career shows she can be as pedantic and academic as any. In "Eichmann In Jerusalem" she allows herself an almost journalistic style that's clear, fair and often devastating. The criticisms of this work end up appearing quite trivial in hindsight. This works subtitle became a common expression for a reason. The central thesis is hard to dispute. A must read for anyone interested in philosophy, law and ethics.

<br /><br /><br />Eichmann in Jerusalem

Absolutely essential reading in these times. So applicable to today's political climate. A must read.

Fantabulous

One of the most riveting readings I've had the pleasure of listening to, for one of the most important works of political philosophy ever written. A difficult book made palatable, even pleasurable, by a virtuoso performance.