A Man for Others: Maximilian Kolbe the "Saint of Auschwitz")

In 2019, I visited the Auschwitz underground chamber where St. Maximilian Kolbe survived starvation at the hands of the German concentration camp guards. Since Fr. Kolbe wouldn't succumb to starvation and strove to live, the guards killed him after 14 days of starvation with a lethal injection of carbolic acid. His presence there was a source of inspiration and hope to the other 9 men in that small room who were also sentenced to starve to death because a fellow prisoner had escaped. In an act of supreme sacrifice, Kolbe offered his life by taking the place of another prisoner who was selected to be one of the ten prisoners to be starved to death due to the escape. Why did he do this? Only a saint would know. The Saint of Auschwitz continues to be a daily source of inspiration to me and my family.

A wonderful story that it was hard to put down and turn out the light each night. I've read a few stories of people in Auschwitz, but all after having been there two years ago. If I ever return, as I intend, I'll bring more knowledge of who suffered there and where. The execution wall, the isolation chamber in Barrack 11 (I think) perhaps even more depressing, other stories of other people and events will drive home the lessons a bit more deeply, I think, when you can associate "friends" you've met in the pages of their lives with this place. I recommend this book to all for it's historical value, and to Christians for it's inspirational message of hope and faith.

I bought an "acceptable" book and yes, it was cheap and it has underlining. That is all okay. The text itself is very moving and I would encourage all it read on this great saint. What really pleased me is that it came quickly so I can use information in it for a book group. Goodwills always get books out quickly.

I had read a little about Father Kolbe over the years. He was canonized when I was in grade school, so we were breifly introduced to him then by our teachers. But as a kid, I didn't truly appreciate what he did and said. So many times, the saints are difficult to relate to because their day, culture and geographic location is so far-removed from our own. Often (though not always), we pick out quotes or short stories about them or their writings and that is about all we get. But Father Kolbe transcends time and place because of the enormous importance of the time in which he lived, suffered and died. I suggest you buy at least two, so you can keep one and give one to a friend. As the freedom of religion is under attack in the U.S. and in Europe, there has never been a better time to learn about saints like Fr. Kolbe, St. Thomas More and others who lived as close and personal disciples of Christ.

How does one become a saint? Fr. Maxmilian Kolbe did the ultimate: he gave his life for another, offering to take the place of a man with a family. His choice was a slow death by starvation in a place smaller than a chicken coup in Auschwitz. As he slowly died, he lead fellow prisoners in prayers, and song, helping them forgive their captors. BUT this book started off with Kolbe's youth and life before WWII. His sainthood began many years early as a young man dedicated to Christ with a special love for the virgin Mary. He was forward thinking developing a Catholic magazine published in several languages. Started a radio station and even considered television to spread his message of God's love for all. Kolbe's story left me totally INSPIRED.

This book is, quite simply, amazing. I was looking for an authoritative biography on the saint and read other reviews which claimed the same things I am now claiming. It has exhaustive testimony on Kolbe from numerous people who knew him. It is clearly and logically organized. The author's notes and explanations illuminate the text and give the reader a concise and fulfilling explanation of the context surrounding the testimonies. If you want to know about an incredible man and his life, this is it. I can't recommend it any higher.

You want to know what a Saint is, read this book and have your life changed. This book was not written by an author. No its an arrangement of first hand accounts given by people who knew of him from age of a child to his last breath. Even the Nazi guards wrote about him. A brilliant mind, sick with TB all his life, and deeply prayerful Kolbe touched everyone he encountered. He is a Saints Saint.

Before I read this book, all I had known about St. Maximilian Kolbe was his offering of his life in place of a husband and father who was to be killed at the Nazi camp.This book truly showed me what an inspiring height of holiness St. Maximilian achieved in his lifetime. The author gathered much input from many people that associated with him and gave glowing witness to his virtues. His life truly showed what the Lord can do to an individual when receptive to the transforming grace of the Lord which is available to those who love and obey Him.

Great book I enjoyed it. Only qualm was the print size but apart from that it was a great read. Thanks. I would recommend it to others.

A great book but also very sad as it tells of his time in the Nazi death camp. Would certainly recommend.

I thought this book would have been a difficult read but was proven wrong after the first few pages.

One of best books/stories ever read. Well written phenomenal story a true hero