This compilation would present new research in the field, and it would serve as a comprehensive introduction to the history of the Holocaust. Such an edition would complement the existing body of work on the subject, most notably Francois Furet’s Unanswered Questions and Michael Berenbaum’s Holocaust and History.

Specifically, this volume would add depth both geographically and topically, assessing the Final Solution as the German occupation instituted it across Europe and covering issues such as German involvement in genocides prior to World War II, the problem of prosecuting war crimes, gender and Holocaust experience, the persecution of non-Jewish victims, and the Holocaust in post-war cultural venues (music, theatre, and art).

We intend a manuscript of about 30 chapters from some of the leading scholars in the field of Holocaust studies. These chapters would be organized in such a way that they accomplish three goals—1.) to answer a question or questions about the Holocaust, 2.) to demonstrate a new theory or a new piece of research relating to these questions, and 3.) to cover the history and historiography of their subject in general.

Topics for which essays have not already been submitted include:

1. The Jewish communities of Europe on the eve of the Holocaust
2. The persecution of German Jews, 1933-1939
3. The Einsatzgruppen
4. T4
5. The Final Solution in Western Europe
6. The Final Solution in Southern and Southeastern Europe
7. Jewish Resistance
8. The persecution of gay men and lesbians

Essays should run from 5-8,000 words, give a general overview of the topic and a consideration of relevant historiography, and, if possible, present either new research or a theoretical model. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Jonathan C. Friedman, Director of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at West Chester University. Drafts of manuscripts would be needed by the end of 2009.