40 pages • 1 hour read
On Tyranny
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Book Brief
128
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, a #1 New York Times bestseller published in 2017, outlines how tyrants like Hitler and Stalin undermined 20th-century democracies, highlighting similar threats in modern America. Yale professor Snyder details demagogic tactics such as mythologizing past national greatness, leveraging lies and intimidation, and exploiting crises to overtake liberties and control nations. Sensitive topics in the book include the use of hate symbols, war crimes, and political persecution.
Informative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
95,244 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny is praised for its timely, concise guide on resisting authoritarianism. Readers appreciate its historical lessons and clear, actionable advice. However, some critique its brevity and simplicity, finding it lacking in depth. Overall, it's seen as a compelling, urgent read in today's political climate.
Who Should Read On Tyranny?
A reader passionate about history, politics, and safeguarding democracy would enjoy On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. Similar to fans of George Orwell’s 1984 and Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism, they appreciate concise, practical guides on recognizing and resisting authoritarianism.
95,244 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Chancellor of Germany in 1933, who enacts emergency measures to abrogate civil liberties and uses intimidation tactics to suppress opposition, outlining plans for German greatness.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
A leader who stands against the Nazi expansion across Europe, known for his resilience and efforts to form an alliance that leads to victory in World War II.
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin
Leader of post-Soviet Russia, known for consolidating power through alleged manipulations and parallels drawn to historical figures, along with claims of influencing foreign elections.
Teresa Prekerowa
Teresa Prekerowa
A Polish citizen recognized for her courageous efforts in aiding individuals confined in Warsaw's Jewish ghetto during German occupation, risking her safety to help the oppressed.
128
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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