On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

by Timothy Snyder
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century cover
Good Books rating 3.62
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  • ID: 9260
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Reddit - TwoXPreppers · 2026-01-03
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its scholarly approach and practical advice on surviving and fighting tyranny without losing humanity. It is recommended as a must-read for its insights and relevance.

This review highlights the book's scholarly approach and practical advice on surviving and fighting tyranny without losing humanity. The reviewer recommends it as a must-read, appreciating its insights and relevance. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the historical contexts of tyranny and the importance of individual actions in defending democracy.

Quick quotes

    It's an excellent book and you should read it.

    It's about how to survive and fight tyranny, without losing your humanity.

    It's not radical- it's almost scholarly in how it explains the process a society.

OLLI Berkeley · Hugh Winig · 2020-08-13
practical 4.00

The book is praised for its practical advice and historical context. The reviewer appreciates its accessibility and relevance to contemporary issues.

Hugh Winig's review on OLLI Berkeley highlights the book's practicality and historical depth. The reviewer finds the lessons to be both accessible and relevant, making it a valuable read for understanding and resisting tyranny. They appreciate the book's ability to connect historical events to current political landscapes, offering readers a clear and actionable guide. Overall, the review is positive, emphasizing the book's importance in today's world.

Quick quotes

    The book is a very fast read, around several hours.

    Timothy Snyder is a well-known Yale historian who has written 12 previous books on European history.

    The lessons are practical ways to recognize tyranny and ways to fight it.

The Berkshire Edge · 2017-09-24
practical 4.00

The book is described as an 'idiot's guide' to tyranny, offering practical advice on defending institutions and not obeying in advance. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the historical contexts of tyranny.

This review characterizes the book as an 'idiot's guide' to tyranny, emphasizing its practical advice on defending institutions and not obeying in advance. The reviewer appreciates the book's historical context and its relevance to contemporary issues. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the mechanisms of tyranny and the importance of individual actions in preserving democracy.

Quick quotes

    Do not obey in advance.

    Defend institutions.

    The book offers a practical guide to understanding and fighting tyranny.

Common Sense Ethics · 2017-09-24
disappointing 2.00

The book is criticized for being partisan and not offering substantial new insights. The reviewer finds it lacking in depth and originality.

Common Sense Ethics takes a critical stance on the book, arguing that it falls short of its potential. The reviewer feels that the book is more of a partisan piece than a serious work, and that it does not provide new or profound insights into the nature of tyranny. They suggest that readers might find more value in other works that delve deeper into the subject matter. Overall, the review is skeptical about the book's contribution to the discourse on tyranny.

Quick quotes

    On Tyranny is hackneyed partisanism under the guise of a serious work.

    Sadly, On Tyranny is not really worthwhile reading for those seeking a serious analysis of tyranny.

    The book does not offer substantial new insights or a fresh perspective on the subject.

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