Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil

by Arendt, Hannah; Elon, Amos

• ISBN13: 9780143039884
• ISBN10: 0143039881
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781101007167
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780140187656
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-22
• Publisher: Penguin USA
• More Book Details

About This Book

Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil

ISBN: 9780143039884

Eichmann in Jerusalem is a seminal work by Hannah Arendt, first published in 1963 by Viking Adult. This book is a journalistic analysis of the mentality that fostered the Holocaust, offering a profound exploration of the nature of evil and its banality. The title has become a cornerstone in the field of Holocaust studies and moral philosophy.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars in courses related to Holocaust studies, ethics, and political philosophy. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human behavior during times of extreme crisis. Educators and researchers often recommend this book for its thought-provoking insights into the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to mass atrocities.

History and Editions

The original edition of Eichmann in Jerusalem was published in 1963, following the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a key figure in the Nazi regime responsible for the logistics of the Holocaust. The book's publication sparked significant controversy and debate, with many critics questioning Arendt's portrayal of Eichmann as a "banal" evil. Despite this, the work has remained a foundational text in Holocaust studies and moral philosophy.

In 2006, Penguin Books UK re-released the book with an introduction by Amos Elon, providing additional context and insights into Arendt's work.

Author and Other Works

Hannah Arendt was a renowned German-American philosopher, political theorist, and writer. She is best known for her work on totalitarianism and her concept of the "banality of evil," which posits that ordinary people can commit extraordinary atrocities without necessarily being motivated by malice or ideological fervor. Other notable works by Arendt include The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Analysis: The book provides a detailed and nuanced analysis of the Eichmann trial, exploring the psychological and sociological factors that contributed to his actions.
• Historical Significance: Eichmann in Jerusalem offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events in modern history, shedding light on the mechanisms of mass atrocities.
• Philosophical Insights: Arendt's concept of the "banality of evil" has had a profound impact on moral philosophy, encouraging readers to think critically about human behavior under extreme conditions.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780670290383
• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780143039884
• eTextbook: Available through various digital platforms (exact ISBNs may vary depending on the provider)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Viking Adult (1963), Penguin Books UK (2006)
• Publication Date: 1963 (original), 2006 (re-release)
• Number of Pages: 312 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Not specified
• Dimensions: Not specified

Other Editions and Formats

• German Edition: Published by Piper Verlag in 1964, ISBN not specified.
• Re-releases: The book has been re-released in various formats over the years, including paperback and eTextbook versions.

Related ISBNs:

• 9780670290383 (Hardcover)
• 9780143039884 (Paperback)
• 9780143039891 (eTextbook, exact ISBN may vary depending on the provider)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Eichmann in Jerusalem, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Hannah Arendt (1906-û1975) came to the U.S. as a refugee from the Nazis in 1940. The Portable Hannah Arendt (Penguin Classics) collects substantial excerpts from her political writings.

Amos Elon, a frequent essayist, lecturer, and critic, is well known for his articles in the New Yorker and New York Review of Books.

Jerome Kohn is the director of the Hannah Arendt Center at the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research.

Jonathan Schell is the Harold Willens Peace Fellow at the Nation Institute.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
Amos Elon
Note to the Reader	xxiv
The House of Justice	3	(18)
The Accused	21	(15)
An Expert on the Jewish Question	36	(20)
The First Solution: Expulsion	56	(12)
The Second Solution: Concentration	68	(15)
The Final Solution: Killing	83	(29)
The Wannsee Conference, or Pontius Pilate	112	(23)
Duties of a Law--Abiding Citizen	135	(16)
Deportations from the Reich---Germany, Austria and the Protectorate	151	(11)
Deportations from Western Europe---France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Italy	162	(19)
Deportations, from the Balkans---Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Greece, Rumania	181	(13)
Deportations from Central Europe---Hungary and Slovakia	194	(12)
The Killing Centers in the East	206	(14)
Evidence and Witnesses	220	(14)
Judgment, Appeal, and Execution	234	(19)
Epilogue	253	(27)
Postscript	280	(19)
Bibliography	299	(5)
Index	304