The Origins of Totalitarianism

by Hannah Arendt
The Origins of Totalitarianism cover
Good Books rating 4.05
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 1435
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780241316764
  • Publisher: Schocken
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4

The Origins of Totalitarianism delves into the historical roots of totalitarianism, examining the ebb and flow of nineteenth-century anti-Semitism and the rise of European imperialism. The author provides a profound analysis of how these forces crystallized into totalitarian regimes, emphasizing the elimination of political action and the targeting of 'objective enemies.' /n/n This seminal work also explores the psychological and sociological aspects of totalitarianism, including the use of terror, concentration camps, and the pursuit of global primacy. The author's insights remain prescient, offering a chilling reminder of the enduring nature of totalitarian solutions.

Reviews
Reddit · 2025-12-22
important 4.00

Arendt is acknowledged as a serious thinker whose work is worth close reading. The book is considered crucially important despite potential flaws.

The reviewer acknowledges Hannah Arendt as a serious thinker whose work, including 'The Origins of Totalitarianism', is worth close reading. They note that while some may find flaws in her views, the book is considered crucially important. The discussion highlights the significance of Arendt's analysis in understanding totalitarianism and its implications. The reviewer suggests that despite any criticisms, the book offers valuable insights that are essential for anyone interested in political theory. The community's engagement with the book reflects its enduring relevance and the depth of its analysis.

Quick quotes

    Arendt is a serious thinker and deserves a close reading

    The Origins of Totalitarianism is a crucially important work

    The book offers valuable insights that are essential for anyone interested in political theory

Jenny Mackness Blog · 2023-09-15
challenging 3.50

The book is profound and informative but can be challenging to navigate due to its dense and complex arguments.

This reviewer acknowledges the depth and significance of Arendt's work but notes that it can be a challenging read. They describe the experience as walking through a dense wood with no clear path, indicating the complexity and density of Arendt's arguments. Despite this, they recognize the book's profound insights and its ability to inform readers about the nature of totalitarianism. The reviewer appreciates the book's informative content but advises potential readers to be prepared for a demanding intellectual journey.

Quick quotes

    A profound and informative book, for sure

    Often feels like walking through a dense wood with no clear path and a lot of underbrush

    The Origins of Totalitarianism is a challenging read

Bob on Books · 2018-10-29
valuable 4.20

The book is long and demanding but offers critically important ideas for our times. The prose is challenging, but the insights are invaluable.

This review acknowledges the demanding nature of Arendt's prose and the length of the book, but emphasizes the critical importance of its ideas. The reviewer notes that the book's insights are invaluable for understanding contemporary issues. Despite the challenges posed by the text, the review highlights the necessity of engaging with Arendt's work to grasp the complexities of totalitarianism. The reviewer suggests that the effort required to read the book is justified by the depth and relevance of its content.

Quick quotes

    It is long, the prose is demanding, and the ideas are critically important to our times

    I certainly will not do the book justice in a blog-post

    The insights are invaluable for understanding contemporary issues

Los Angeles Review of Books · Roger Berkowitz · 2017-03-18
profound 4.50

The book is a landmark work that frames the understanding of totalitarianism within contemporary politics. It offers a profound analysis that remains relevant today.

Roger Berkowitz provides a comprehensive review of Arendt's seminal work, situating it within the context of modern political discourse. He praises Arendt's ability to dissect the mechanisms of totalitarianism and her prescient observations that resonate with current events. Berkowitz argues that Arendt's work is not merely an historical account but a vital tool for understanding the political landscape of today. He highlights the book's enduring relevance and its capacity to provoke thought and discussion.

Quick quotes

    Roger Berkowitz reviews Hannah Arendt's landmark 'The Origins of Totalitarianism'

    Framing the book within the context of contemporary politics

    The Origins of Totalitarianism is a vital tool for understanding the political landscape of today

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