Hope and Memory: Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Tzvetan Todorov; Translator-David Bellos
Language: English
Published by Princeton University Press, 2003
- Hardcover
- Used

Seller: Arroway Books, Narberth, PA, U.S.A.Arroway Books
AbeBooks seller since March 4, 2005
Condition: Used - Very good
US$ 43.77
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Signed by the author with a short personalized inscription inside the front cover. Clean with no additional marks or inscriptions. Dust jacket has light shelf wear.
Seller Inventory # 047671
- Title
- Hope and Memory: Lessons from the Twentieth Century
- Author
- Tzvetan Todorov; Translator-David Bellos
- Publisher
- Princeton University Press
- Publication year
- 2003
- Condition
- Very Good
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0691096589
- ISBN 13
- 9780691096582
- Item weight
- 23 ounces
Both a political history and a moral critique of the twentieth century, this is a personal and impassioned book from one of Europe's most outstanding intellectuals. Identifying totalitarianism as the major innovation of the twentieth century, Tzvetan Todorov examines the struggle between this system and democracy and its effects on human life and consciousness.
Totalitarianism managed to impose itself because, more than any other political system, it played on people's need for the absolute: it fed their hope to endow life with meaning by taking part in the construction of a paradise on earth. As a result, millions of people lost their lives in the name of a higher good. While democracy eventually won the struggle against totalitarianism in much of the world, democracy itself is not immune to the pitfall of do-goodery: moral correctness at home and atomic or "humanitarian" bombs abroad.
Todorov explores the history of the past century not only by analyzing its spectacular political conflicts but also by offering moving profiles of several individuals who, at great personal cost, resisted the strictures of the communist and Nazi regimes. Some--Margarete Buber-Neumann, David Rousset, Primo Levi, and Germaine Tillion--were deported to concentration camps. Others--Vasily Grossman and Romain Gary--fought courageously in World War II. All became exemplary witnesses who described with great lucidity and humanity what they had endured.
This book preserves the memory of the past as we move into the twenty-first century--arguing eloquently that we must place the past at the service of a just future.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Arroway Books
Narberth, PA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since March 4, 2005
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 3.99 | US$ 11.30 |
Payment methods
- Bank Draft
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
- Paypal
Specialty
Children, Fiction, First Edition, Out-of-print, GeneralSeller's business information
Arroway Books
1009 Hagys Forad Road
Narberth, PA U.S.A. 19072
Terms of sale
We accept USA currency only, personal and certified checks, money orders, paypal (ArrowayBooks@gmail.com) and Visa and Mastercard payments through ABE Commerce. International purchases are accepted but payment must be US currency. All orders will be held for shipment until checks/money orders have cleared. If ordering by check or money order, please confirm the availability of your choices before sending payment. You may confirm by email or telephone. We will reserve your book(s) up to 10 days awaiting receipt of your check or money order.
We will be happy to scan a picture of a book and e-mail it to you upon request.
Customer satisfaction is very important to us. We make every effort to describe books accurately. However, books may be returned within 14 days if not satisfied for any reason. Books must be returned in the same condition as when shipped to buyer. Notification must be received within 48 hours of receipt if you wish to return. Postage will be refunded only if there was a description error on our part.
Shipping terms
Shipping & Handling: Within the United States for books weighing less than two pounds.
MEDIA MAIL (previously known as Book Rate): First book $3.50, each additional item $1,75.
PRIORITY MAIL: First Book $5.95, each additional item $4.00
Shipping and handling for heavier books will be individually quoted. Also, delivery confirmation and/or insurance rates can be individually quoted. Our shipping rates are set to a base rate for hardbacks. When you order paperbacks, we may be able to reduce the rate when processing the order. For international order, please contact the seller for exact shipping quotes.