On TYRANNY
Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Timothy Snyder’s book On Tyranny uses the darkest moments in twentieth-century history, from Nazism to Communism, to each twenty lessons on resisting modern-day authoritarianism. Among the twenty are a warning to be aware of how symbols used today could affect tomorrow (“#4: Take responsibility for the face of the world”), an urgent reminder to research everything for yourself and to the fullest extent (“#11: Investigate”), a point to use personalized and individualized speech rather than clichéd phrases for the sake of mass appeal (“#9: Be kind to our language”), and more.
In this graphic edition, Nora Krug draws from her highly inventive art style in Belonging – at once a graphic memoir, collage-style scrapbook, historical narrative, and trove of memories – to breathe new life, color, and power into Snyder’s riveting historical references, turning a quick-read pocket guide of lessons into a visually striking rumination. In a time of great uncertainty and instability, this edition of On Tyranny emphasizes the importance of being active, conscious, and deliberate participants in resistance.
WHY READ AND DISCUSS THIS BOOK?
An accessible, thoughtful way into thinking and talking about authoritarianism, community, and individual responsibility – through examples taken from European history within the past 100 years or so. In a time of hot-button politics, this book can offer a way for a group to gain broader, deeper context and wider understanding of our own tempestuous time.
ATTRIBUTES
- Reading level: 12th grade
- Pictures? Yes! Illustrations throughout.
- Form (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic, etc.): History brought to bear on the present
