Silent Night
Silent Night
Stanley Weintraub
Rand Paul
On Rand Paul's website's "reading suggestions for students" section.
+
1
All books

Silent Night

Silent Night: The Remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914

Stanley Weintraub
By
Stanley Weintraub
3.6
5061
ratings on Goodreads

In the heart of a war that would scar the world and redefine modern conflict, "Silent Night" by Stanley Weinbrandt captures an extraordinary and fleeting moment of peace amidst the devastation of World War I. On Christmas Eve of 1914, against a backdrop of cold mud and the relentless echo of gunfire, an unprecedented event unfolded as soldiers from opposing trenches stepped into no-man's-land, not with weapons, but with offerings of peace. Weintraub's meticulous research and compelling narrative bring to life this nearly forgotten episode, where the spirit of Christmas inspired enemies to see each other not as targets, but as fellow humans sharing in the misery and absurdity of war. Through the glow of candle-lit Christmas trees and the strains of carols floating across the battlefield, "Silent Night" reveals how the men on the front lines defied orders, overcame language barriers, and momentarily erased the boundaries drawn by nations and generals. Weintraub delves into personal accounts, letters, and diaries to weave a story of fragile humanity asserting itself in the face of overwhelming destruction. This poignant tale not only commemorates the unlikely truce but also reflects on the enduring hope for peace and the powerful bonds that can emerge from the darkest of times. "Silent Night" is a testament to the extraordinary capacity for compassion and camaraderie that persists even amidst the horrors of war, making it a timeless reminder of the light that can emerge from the depths of darkness.

Read more
Released
2001
1 Jan
Length
256
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

On Rand Paul's website's "reading suggestions for students" section.
On both sides in 1915 there would be more dead on any single day than yards gained in the entire year. And there would be nearly four more years of attrition—not to determine who was right, but who was left.
— Stanley Weintraub, Silent Night

Similar recommendations

View all
Guns, Germs, and Steel
12
people
person
The Lessons of History
The Lessons of History
Will & Ariel Durant
8
people
person
Team of Rivals
Team of Rivals
Doris Kearns Goodwin
7
people
person
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough
6
people
person
Lincoln
Lincoln
Gore Vidal
5
people
person
Accidental Presidents
4
people
person
Empire of the Summer Moon
4
people
person
Homage to Catalonia
Homage to Catalonia
George Orwell
4
people
person
On War
On War
Carl von Clausewitz
4
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!