Behind the Scenes of Oberammergau
597351
First a disclaimer: Technically, I should not review this book because as the official translator of the revised Passion Play text into English and one of the scholars involved in the preparatory Jewish-Christian dialogue concerning the complex Oberammergau-anti-Judaism issue, I am one of the participants in the story Jim Shapiro tells, as well as one of his sources.  Hence, I clearly cannot expect to be considered an objective reviewer. In addition, I bought the book not via Amazon in the United States, but in the German translation at the Jewish Museum bookstore in Vienna on my way to Oberammergau and the premiere performance of this year's Passion Play.
On the other hand, precisely because I know so much of the background, I also feel uniquely qualified to offer my opinion: the book is superb.
Shapiro is a Jewish scholar, but this is neither a Jewish analysis of Oberammergau, nor a ponderous academic treatise. It is a painstakingly researched, sensitive, and highly readable investigative report of the complex issues involved.  This is not only a history of the play itself but a non-sensational expos of the labyrinth behind the scenes of this millennial production. Supporting characters range from Vatican theologians and representatives of the Anti Defamation League to members of various village factions, Adolf Hitler, "Jud Meyer", and the Victorian intellectuals Isabel and Richard Burton.  In his book, Shapiro lances countless pretensions and lights up the dark corners of rewritten history and fiction accepted and perpetuated as reality.
According to tradition, the first Oberammergau Passion Play was performed as a result of a vow the villagers made when people were dying of the bubonic plague in 1633.  Afterwards, we are told, the illness subsided.  However, it can be argued that the real plague was not a physical illness but a deadly disease of the soul and spirit - the kind of anti-Judaism inspired by hundreds of years of blaming "the" Jews for the death of their brother Yeshua/Jesus and calling them the "Murderers of God." The real plague was anti-Judaism masquerading as Christian piety, a deadly disease spread by denial and coverup. Passion plays became bearers of the kind of hatred that eventually erupted in the Shoah of the 20th century. If the play is to continue in the next millennium, these issues must to be faced.
As Shapiro reports, they are being faced, and the current production is the result. Shapiro dispatches assorted "sacred cows," and may consequently annoy both some Jewish and some Catholic disputants in the long standing Oberammergau controversy. But no one, I believe, can doubt that he is genuinely concerned with getting at the truth.  He understands that it may be impossible for Jews and Christians to read the same text or see the same event on stage and interpret their experience in an identical manner. Otto Huber (responsible for the text) and Rabbi Leon Klenicki (ADL) may never be able to see what the other sees, but the effort of working together and trying to make this a genuinely new beginning is in itself a sign of hope.
The book includes a comprehensive bibliography and should be required reading for Jews, Christians, students of history, anyone concerned with furthering interreligious dialogue--in sum, thoughtful people everywhere.
Ingrid Shafer, Ph. D. Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and Interdisciplinary Studies University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha, OK 73018 [...]
3651831
Highly recommend this fascinating story of behind-the-scenes history of the battle and the human logistics before, during and after.  As a female reader I am not particularly interested in reading every small detail of how a battle unfolded.  For me, this book brought it all into context in a human way, bringing it close to home and heart on a real scale.  A small battlefield and big aristocratic egos - a great read.
4537596
C. D. Baker's book affords a rare look into the domestic side of wartime Germany, as societal pressures, religion, local grudges, national politics, and the gathering winds of war affect all-too-human people in a small German village. Very well written and imagined!
2266151
Interesting read about an area of the Germany that I had never heard of, and would now like to visit.
3554962
Going into this book, I wasn't exactly sure what Albert Speer was going to talk about.  He mixes his recollections of his involvement in the Third Reich and his daily prison life.  I enjoyed the book immensely, but I was hoping for more information on his duties in the Third Reich.  Much of the book was about his adventures in gardening in the prison atrium.  Speer does give his psychological insights into why he became a member of the Nazi parties and the duties he was given.  He also, voices his opinions on the other 6 members of Spandau prison and what his life would be like after he was to be released 20 years later.  Overall the book was very interesting reading and it is very detailed (but not to the point of boredom)in everyday activities and protocol.
3843979
This book captures the true history of some ordinary people making a special town that endures the changes in history to remain charming. The book illustrates what is needed to be remembered from the past so the future can be sustained.  The Authors, Michelle and Debbie used all their community forces to assure all in the community had an opportunity to share their memories  and pictures from the past.  The community and Historical Society of Williams Bay embraced this project.
With emails, phone pictures, not sure how many of the current memories will be captured for the future.  The authors relied on photos kept in boxes, libraries or scrap books to have all who read the book understand we enjoy because of what the past workers, families,
 immigrants and lake dwellers build to create a community that is sustainable, enjoyable and beautiful.
Thank you Authors for letting us appreciate the past through narrative coupled with images. Your time and effort allow all readers to enjoy and appreciate the history of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
On a side note, the cover is so perfect for what the readers will find inside the cover!
4689539
A wonderful behind the scenes look at how historic events affected the personal lives of those involved.  Although a novel, the use of real people and their place in history made this a great read.
4523118
I was at BMG from 10/2008 to 09/2009.  This story brought back so many memories of that place and I enjoyed this better than your last. Knowing all the players and locations really helped me see this from your point of view and the maps were great. Looking forward from more of this writer regardless of the material. I could feel his emotion in the words. Very well done Mr Golembesky. (Ski)
4552726
I read Bill Cook's book and took a visit with my family to Calico Ghost Town. The book was very helpful (it is an easy intriguing read) as I was able to focus on the history of the ghost town. It is not hard to believe that this town is loaded with active spirits after getting an excellent background on the site. I was able to spend after dark time with my family taking photos of the town after sunset. So what did the photos reveal? Looking toward the hills surrounding the town the best shots were taken. Dozens of orbs were revealed on different shots pointing toward the man made caves to the east. Similar shots (I have a digital) revealed only the cave. In the next few shots, an orb and even a few shots with multiple orbs. I had these shots of the caves examined by a "paranormal" photographer. His final analysis was that these were orbs. Nothing unusual he said considering the site.
I am going to visit again with my son as my wife and daughters are apprehensive about revisiting. I want an orb shot that reveals color within in it. These are the rarer shots.
If it wasn't for the Cook book I probably would have never came to the Ghost Town as an amatuer investigator. I highly recommend this well written book.
1493287
Good insight into the behind the scenes of G.P. in the recent past
2940333
I really enjoyed this book.  I live in the area and it is fascinating to read these stories of lore and to know that they were written up in the local newspapers.  The author explained the stories behind these lores and the most recent sitings.
472250
I got this as a Christmas gift and while they really enjoyed it I also had a chance to browse through it myself. This book contains a lot of behind the scenes photos and info that even some of the biggest fans of this show may not have known.
516258
I've had a curiosity and fascination with the 3rd Reich for a number of years.  It is almost impossible for a non German to understand the dynamics of who the Nazi's were and how they came to power.  Mr Kerr gives us a view of the day to day Germany before, during, and after the war using the eyes of Bernie Gunther, a shrewd observer.  An excellent book that sets the stage for the rest of the series, it is actually 3 books under one cover.  Highly recommended for anyone interested in the era or 1930's style detective writing.
2504662
This was a great read, and sheds a lot of light on what was going on behind the scenes of the Hapsburg court.
1491432
Ben Hesse obviously spent a lot of time interviewing the 'real people' of Jenkintown.  Great stories and photos, I real enjoyed this peek into a town as seen by its residents.

Check out the Music CD, it goes hand in hand with the book.  Nice hand crafted music, the book explains all the songs.  It has the same title as the book.
1048756
Very good interview with this famous german gerneral from WW2. Did not agree with all the answer that this general gave but it was interesting to read his answers on certain subject. Having read about the russian front and the war in hungary, this general is often mentioned and having not seen anything written from this general before it gives an idea about his style of leadership. Easy to follow and read plus a quick bio on this general in the begining of the book.
4799298
A great behind the scenes look at one of the founding fathers of heavy metal music...Vanilla Fudge. Little did I know all the behind the scenes drama. The fights, the back stabbing, the idiocy. You'll love it. The best news of all is that The Fudge is still out there rockin'. (Tim Bogert has retired but Mark, Carmine and Vinny are still out there and continue to keep us hangin' on)