On Tyranny Graphic Edition- Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
$16.99
Product Details
Web ID: 154176343 years ago
from Denver, CO
History is repeating, and we have not learned
This volume is an update to one that was originally published in 2017. In addition to updating and extending some events, this edition is in a graphic format, which has advantages and disadvantages. The images chosen often enhance the text; at the same time, the choice of font can’t be hard to read, and the formatting of many pages can make it difficult to follow the text, with some text splitting into columns on either side of images, and other text reading across or through images, including a few places where text reads across facing pages. This can distract from the content on occasion. This is a cautionary reporting of history, with recent events compared and contrasted with historical events, primarily from WWI, WWII, and the recent revolutions in the late 20th century in Russia and Czechoslovakia - many of which are compared to the clearly-described but never named former president. The historical parallels are strong, but limited to Europe, Russia, and the US. The author is understandably concerned that the US is heading in an authoritarian direction, and he may well be correct; however, he provides no alternative interpretations, no reference to any other part of the world or events outside the areas named, and very little in the way of possible ways to shift the future he foresees. Snyder’s interpretation is both realistic and pessimistic. I received an advance copy of this volume in exchange for my review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
3 years ago
from Boston, MA
On Tyranny Comes to Life in this Graphic Edition
I received a galley copy of On Tyranny and was excited to see how the author had translated the text into a graphic edition. I wasn't disappointed. The text came alive with the illustrations and, I feel, likely makes it more accessible to a broader range of readers. Snyder's original On Tyranny is an excellent, succinct book that clearly underscores the threat of fascism and the many warning signs. This graphic edition is even more powerful and likely will spread his teachings to a much broader audience. I could not recommend this book more highly to anyone who is living during the current period where fascism is on the rise and democracy is actively being threatened.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
3 years ago
from Chicago, IL
Enlightening and enjoyable
The author breaks down critical issues into understandable and historically accurate situations. Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
3 years ago
quick, engaging read
I really liked how the graphics added to the text through a mixture of illustration and photography. I thought it really brought the subject matter to life and made for a quick, engaging read. I thought it was a little weird how it referred to Trump as "an American president" and the focus only on European democracies, but those were things that were done in the original edition as well and aren't just specific to the graphic edition.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
4 years ago
from California
Democracy is fragile!
On Tyranny uses examples from European history to show how democracies have fallen in the past. It includes twenty rules to follow here in the US to avoid the same fate. The text is from a book published in 2017. The illustrations are new. Though this book is labeled The Graphic Edition, it is not in a traditional graphic novel format. Rather, the illustrations are used very effectively to drive home the main points in the text. If you haven’t read On Tyranny before, by all means pick up this version. The illustrations really break up the text in a good way. The rules make sense. However, there is a distinctly anti-MAGA bias within this book. So, if you are pro-Trump, this book could be a difficult read. For everyone else, 4 stars! Thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
4 years ago
from portland, or
recommended with reservations
Note: I was provided an unfinished advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and have not seen the final publication. Review that follows is based on first impressions. I have dogeared and annotated my personal copy of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, so I was really excited to read the graphic edition. The illustrations, most resembling collage work, were creatively done, but often distracting from the very important messages within the text. The entire thing reminded me of a zine from the early 90s, but with much more text. I am sorry to say, it was too chaotic for my liking, though I did like the individual chapter illustrations. I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I suppose a question to be asked is who is the one being featured, the author or artist? At this time they are at odds with one another, rather than working synergistically.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com