The crystallization of the principles of Nazi anti-Semitism, the policies of the Third Reich toward the Jews, the period of segregation and enclosed ghettos, and the stages through which the 'final solution' were implemented are some of the topics covered. Other documents shed light on Jewish public activities and the organization of the Underground and Jewish self-defense. Many of the documents of Jewish origin were not published previously. This comprehensive collection is essential for understanding the history of the Holocaust.

Yitzhak Arad has written numerous books, including The Pictorial History of the Holocaust. Israel Gutman is a coeditor of Anatomy of the Auschwitz Death Camp. Abraham Margaliot taught at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Introducer Steven T. Katz is a professor of religion and the director of the Center for Judaic Studies at Boston University.