On Tyranny. Timothy Snyder. 2017. 126 pages

I am not sure what differentiates a book from a booklet, but regardless of that distinction, this little volume with the subtitle of Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century is a gem from a well known Yale Professor of History. Without ever mentioning Donald Trump by name, he goes where most others have feared to tread by making direct comparisons between him and his tactics of securing power with those of Hitler, Stalin and a variety of other power-hungry dictators. Short chapters include advice such as Defend Institutions, Beware of one -party States, Be Wary of Paramilitaries, Believe in Truth, Investigate, and Listen For Dangerous Words. These words of caution seem so common sense and obvious that they may seem trite but he uses abundant examples from history and from Donald Trump’s own words and actions to show how often they are ignored, and the dire consequences. Don’t ever assume that it can’t happen here.

A good little history lesson and a great note of caution.

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thepassionatereader

Retired medical specialist, avid fly fisher, bridge player, curler, bicyclist and reader. Dedicated secular humanist

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