This book is a collection of essays about how the Holocaust of World War II compares to other genocides. I was required to read this book for one of my history classes in college, and I hated it. I think some of the essays offer valid points, but in general it was boring. The Holocaust was certainly a very mechanized genocide compared to others in history, and that certainly adds to the unique factor. I'm finding it difficult to say many positive things about this book. I will say that this was considered essential and required reading, and I feel that it should not have been required nor was it essential. I would not waste my time on this book.