Doctor Josef Mengele: The Angel of Death (Holocaust Biographies)

Cefrey, Holly

ISBN 10: 0823933741 ISBN 13: 9780823933747

Publisher: Rosen Pub Group, 2001

Synopsis

Traces the life of the German soldier and doctor who sentenced thousands of Jews to death at Auschwitz, used others for experimentation, and ultimately escaped prosecution for his crimes and lived out his life on the run.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Gr 6-9-After a dramatic opening that describes how prisoners were transported to Auschwitz by the thousands, Cefrey details how they were greeted by Mengele, who decided who was to die at once and who would be allowed to live as a slave laborer for a while. Mengele studied medicine and became a doctor, but was more interested in the study of genetics and Darwin's theories of natural selection. This background, plus his inability to continue active military service after being injured and decorated several times, led to his appointment at Auschwitz. Established medical institutions encouraged his "experiments" at that camp and collaborated with him. The bulk of the book describes the man's erratic personality, his experiments, and the suffering of his subjects, especially twins. What makes Cefrey's book so interesting is that she spells out Germany's nationalistic aims clearly and more succinctly than most adult books on the subject. She reports that the German population, already nourished on nationalistic folklore of a superior "German volk," was just waiting for a charismatic leader to lead them back to the glory they felt their country deserved. Black-and-white photos, some of which are reproduced better than others, are scattered throughout.

Marcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rosen Pub Group
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0823933741
• ISBN 13: 9780823933747
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 112