Today Marshmallow reviews the graphic edition of Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny, originally published in 2017. The graphic edition was illustrated by Nora Krug and published in 2021.
Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like reading books about current events and deep ideas about nations and history, then this is the book for you! If not, then this book is for you, too!
Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): This is a nonfiction book about the titular topic of tyranny. The dictionary defines tyranny as “oppressive power, especially oppressive power exerted by a government” and “a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler”. So On Tyranny is about oppressive government structures and how they come to be.
More specifically, the book is divided into twenty main lessons we can learn from the history of the twentieth century. Historian Timothy Snyder dives into what happened—in Europe mostly—during the twentieth century, examining the ways in which those past democracies were systematically replaced by tyrannical, manipulative dictators who seized control of their countries using several tactics some leaders are using today. Because I think these lessons are of utmost importance, I’ll put them here on this post for those who don’t plan on purchasing the book:
“Do not obey in advance. Defend institutions. Beware the one-party state. Take responsibility for the face of the world. Remember professional ethics. Be wary of paramilitaries. Be reflective if you must be armed. Stand out. Be kind to our language. Believe in truth. Investigate. Make eye contact and small talk. Practice corporeal politics. Establish a private life. Contribute to good causes. Learn from peers in other countries. Listen for dangerous words. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. Be a patriot. Be as courageous as you can.”
Now, it’s simple to read these simple-sounding phrases and think, “I just learned everything this book has to offer.” But I cannot think of another book that I believe should be read more than this one. I think this book should be mandatory reading because it is an instruction manual for how to protect democratic governments. Democracy is the best way for peoples to govern themselves, but it can be vulnerable; it needs to be protected from enemies within and outside the borders of any nation that wishes to uphold democratic institutions.
The ideals of democracy, the book’s author conveys, are things that cannot be taken for granted. The people must be able to think for themselves, ask questions, and know when those in power are starting to sound a little too much like the tyrants in the history books. This book uses quotes, stories, facts, and nuanced, yet time-tested ideas to compellingly create the ultimate survival guide for a democratic nation. Telling us exactly what the downfall of a democracy would look like, this book offers its readers ways to prevent such an end.
Marshmallow’s Review: In case you couldn’t tell from my little sermon above, I should explicitly write out that I think this book needs to be read by any and every person who is a part of a modern society today. The book is a timely warning and a critical manifesto that we all need to read, now more than ever.
As one of the wisest humans I know once said, “Nothing in this world is free. Freedom is not free.” We all have a responsibility to protect the blessings that liberal democracy has given us. Various forces are trying to tear democratic nations apart and rebuild them into their own image, Frankenstein-like and through fear. This book looks at history and pulls from what happened in the past to show us how people were manipulated into submission so today’s people don’t fall for the same tricks.
The book is definitely written with an American perspective, and I expect that there will be some who disagree with the author’s political views on contemporary U.S. politics. However, the history presented is still relevant, to each and every one of us living today. We all need to know what mistakes people like us made when they thought nothing bad could happen in their country. We need to understand their mistakes to recognize when we might be about to make our own.
As is natural for all young bunnies, I love my country. If you love your country, too, then read this book so you know how to protect it.
Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.
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