Ordinary Men
'Ordinary Men' delves into the harrowing transformation of average German police battalion members into perpetrators of genocide during World War II. Through meticulous research and firsthand testimonies, Browning uncovers the chilling reality of how normality can dissolve under the influence of war and ideology. Each chapter unravels the psychological intricacies that led these men to commit unimaginable atrocities, challenging our perception of morality and human behavior. As the narrative unfolds, readers are left grappling with the disturbing notion that anyone could be capable of such violence. This gripping exploration raises profound questions about complicity, choice, and the depths of human evil.
By Christopher R. Browning
Published: 1993
"In the midst of ordinary lives, extraordinary choices can define our humanity."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
The shocking account of how a unit of average middle-aged Germans became the cold-blooded murderers of tens of thousands of Jews.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Ordinary Men
About the Author
Christopher R. Browning
Christopher R. Browning is a prominent American historian and author, renowned for his extensive research on the Holocaust and World War II. His notable works include 'Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland', which examines the psychological and social factors that led ordinary individuals to commit atrocities during the Holocaust. Browning's writing is characterized by its meticulous scholarship and empathetic approach, combining rigorous historical analysis with a profound exploration of moral choices in extreme situations. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to historical literature and continues to influence the field with his thought-provoking insights.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Christopher R. Browning
- Published
- February 1993
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- ISBN
- 0060995068
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 308
- Genres
- Historical ConflictsHistoryPolitical HistoryMilitary History
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
Swimming to Antarctica
Lynne Cox
Bloodlands
Timothy Snyder
Leading Minds
Howard E. Gardner
A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)
Ken Wilber
Hardcore History
Dan Carlin
The Connected Company
Dave Gray, Thomas Vander Wal
Love Poems
Nikki Giovanni
Maurice's Strategikon
Maurice (Emperor of the East)
Colder Than Hell
Joseph R. Owen
Revising Prose
Richard A. Lanham
The Coldest Winter
David Halberstam
A People's History of the United States
Howard Zinn
The Golden Trade of the Moors
E. W. Bovill
A History of the World in 100 Objects
Neil MacGregor
Venice, A Maritime Republic
Frederic Chapin Lane
Hamnet
Maggie O'Farrell
Game of Thrones versus History
Brian A. Pavlac
A History of World Agriculture
Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart
No is Not Enough
Naomi Klein
Retail Superstars
George Whalin
Universal Wisdom
Brett Kelly
Without Sanctuary
James Allen
Dereliction of Duty
H. R. McMaster
Before the First Shots Are Fired
Tony Zinni, Tony Koltz
Season: Big Flavors, Beautiful Food (Indian Cookbook, Books about Indian Seasoning, Beautiful Cookbooks)
Nik Sharma
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations
Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.
View Collection
Anderson Cooper's Book Recommendations
Anderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.
View Collection
Jamie Foxx's Book Recommendations
Jamie Foxx is an American actor, comedian, and singer, known for his versatility across various forms of entertainment. He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray and has appeared in numerous films, including Django Unchained and Collateral. Foxx is also a successful musician, having released multiple albums and collaborated with top artists in the music industry. His ability to move between comedy, drama, and music has made him one of the most talented and respected performers in Hollywood. Beyond his entertainment career, Foxx is a philanthropist, supporting various causes related to health and education.
View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View Collection
Malcolm Gladwell's Book Recommendations
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, and Blink. Gladwell’s work often explores the hidden patterns behind success, decision-making, and social phenomena, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He has written extensively for The New Yorker and hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he reexamines overlooked or misunderstood events in history. Gladwell is known for his ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke new ways of thinking about human behavior and societal trends.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations
Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and producer known for his dark fantasy and horror films, including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Del Toro’s films often blend elements of fairy tales with gothic horror, exploring themes of humanity and monstrosity. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water in 2018. Del Toro is also a passionate advocate for the preservation of film history and a mentor to emerging filmmakers. His unique visual style and storytelling have made him one of the most respected directors in modern cinema.
View Collection
Emmett Shear's Book Recommendations
Emmett Shear is the co-founder and CEO of Twitch, the popular live-streaming platform primarily known for video game streaming. Under Shear’s leadership, Twitch grew rapidly, becoming a major force in both gaming and the broader entertainment landscape, leading to its acquisition by Amazon in 2014. Shear has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s community-driven model and expanding it beyond gaming to include content like music, art, and social commentary. His vision has helped turn Twitch into a cultural phenomenon with millions of daily active users. Shear is also a strong advocate for fostering creativity and connection through digital platforms.
View Collection
Tom Hanks's Book Recommendations
Tom Hanks is an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, renowned for his versatile roles in iconic films such as "Forrest Gump," "Saving Private Ryan," and "Cast Away." Beyond his cinematic achievements, Hanks has made significant contributions to literature, notably with his collection of short stories titled "Uncommon Type," which showcases his talent as a writer. His storytelling prowess extends to his work as a producer and director, where he has brought numerous historical and literary adaptations to life. Hanks's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. Additionally, his engaging narrative style and keen insight into human experiences have solidified his reputation as a multifaceted artist in both film and literature.
View Collection
Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations
Stewart Brand is an influential American writer, best known for founding the Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that became a cornerstone of the counter-culture movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His pioneering work in promoting environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency has had a lasting impact on both literature and society. Brand is also a co-founder of The WELL, an early online community that predated the widespread use of the internet and helped shape the development of digital culture. He has authored several significant books, including "The Media Lab" and "Whole Earth Discipline," which explore technology's role in environmental and societal issues. Brand's contributions continue to influence contemporary discussions on ecology, technology, and community building.
View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.
View Collection
Doris Kearns Goodwin's Book Recommendations
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American biographer and historian, best known for her in-depth explorations of U.S. presidents. Her notable works include Team of Rivals, which inspired the film Lincoln, and The Bully Pulpit. Goodwin’s expertise in American political history has made her a sought-after commentator on leadership and governance. She has won several prestigious awards for her work and continues to be an influential voice in historical scholarship. Goodwin is also a frequent guest on television news programs and documentaries.
View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations
Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.
View Collection“In the midst of ordinary lives, extraordinary choices can define our humanity.”
Ordinary Men
By Christopher R. Browning
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.