A Test Of Courage - Michel Thomas: Michel Thomas - A Biography - Softcover

Robbins, Christopher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099279037 ISBN 13: 9780099279037

Publisher: Arrow, 2000

Synopsis

Michel Thomas is famous for teaching languages in a matter of days. His pupils include Grace Kelly, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Woody Allen and Mel Gibson. Using a remarkable technique that demands no homework or note-taking Michel takes on the pressure of learning himself with spectacular results. But this miraculous technique was learnt the hard way - in a six-hour ordeal with the Gestapo as a mental method of blocking out pain. Few of the pupils in his language schools around the world realise the background behind this charming eighty-year old man. This is the story of his terrible and courageous life; of a man who is one of the few survivors of the French concentration camps and slave labour gangs; who was one of the principal witnesses at the trial of Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon. He escaped to fight with the French resistance - using a total of five separate identities, and then joined up with the US 7th Army to work in counter intelligence. He received the handwritten confession of the commander of Dachau at its liberation and later spearheaded an elaborate operation inside occupied Germany to uncover a vast underground Nazi organisation dedicated to the return of the Fourth Reich. The amazing story of this incredible deception to lure SS members into a trap is told, telling of Michel's single-minded pursuit of the perpetrator of the Malmédy Massacre.

About this title

Review:

Chris Robbins has given us an irresitible phenomenon: obstinate, brilliant, morally incorruptible and one of thebravest men you will ever read about. (John Le Carre)

The magnetic potency of Michel Thomas's teaching is partly explained by this book, as much a thriller as a biography... (Emma Thompson)

This book will stir your soul. (Reader review, Amazon.co.uk)

This has to be the one of the best examples that we are all put on this earth for a reason... I could hardly put it down and only relented when I had to do some real work... I have now decided that I too can learn a language as his philosophy on learning is one that I can relate to and hope that in time educational institutions will too.

A truly inspirational read!!

(Reader review, Amazon.co.uk)

Michel Thomas' biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the triumph of humanity over the seemingly overwhelming forces of evil. (Reader review, Amazon.co.uk)

Five stars is not enough for this gut wrenching biography... an awe inspiring read, which really puts one's own meek trials and tribulations into perspective. The final chapter has a quote: "Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live." This sums the book up. (Reader review, Amazon.co.uk)

Book Description:

The fascinating and thrilling biography of Michel Thomas, who survived torture and concentration camps to teach langauges to the stars.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arrow
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0099279037
• ISBN 13: 9780099279037
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512