Maus 1 and 2 (2 Volume Box Set)

I will use these books to help some weak readers to understand the holocaust

you would never believe that a cartoon (sorry, graphic novel) about the holocaust could be acceptable, never mind fascinating, insightful, and full of humanity, especially when the Germans are pigs, the jews are mice, etc.But it works. And it is moving and terrible and truthful and somehow it makes the whole horror of the war more human and easier to feel on a personal level. I have one copy and I have given away over four copies, to friends, co-workers, (most of them NOT Jewish) because it makes history what it really is: frighteningly true, sickeningly possible, always capable of being repeated.

This was required reading in a college class. I though oh no, yet another holocaust book and a comic version at that! The approach was fresh and compelling. No matter how much you think you know about the holocaust this book set will provide new insights and somehow renders a depressing subject into a hard to put down reading experience.+

I really liked this comic, I learned all sorts of things I had never known or considered about the Holocaust, or WWII. Though the animal heads dim the impact of the events, I think they are absolutely necessary to get through some of the gruesomest parts.

A story that has moved me to tears, with brilliant artwork, believable character depictions, and a flowing narrative - all even more incredible when you remember that it actually happened. Bought it for my sister, an artist.

Everything was in perfect condition. It shouldn't sat box set because it didn't come in a box. The story is very touching.

Maus is the true story of Vladek Spiegelman and his experiences as a Jew during WWII. His son Art brings the story to life through comic-strip style artwork and vivid recreations of real conversations. The events and the characters are all real, which makes this book all the more powerful. Art uses various animals to represent the characters. The Jews are mice, the Germans are pigs, and Art's Christian girlfriend is portrayed as a frog. Maus 2 ends with a real photograph of Vladek after the war and is an excellent finale.Art wisely includes bits of his struggle with his father. Vladek was sometimes difficult and demanding, and alternately loving toward his friends and family. These parts after the war provide a much-needed glimpse into the man's character and the way the war changed him. He is not made to be a hero because he survived; he was simply a lucky man who made it through.If you read the first Maus, you must read the second, and that is why this boxed set is so convenient. It is nicely packaged with a sturdy box featuring the art from the covers of the books. It opens from the side so you can easily slip the books in and out, and it keeps them from getting damaged.