"Dismal Omens" is a comprehensive non-fiction book that addresses the precursors of antisemitism and the societal tensions in Germany before the Nazi takeover. The author, Julius H. Schoeps, illuminates various facets of antisemitism, including the insults, attacks, and murder attempts directed at the Jewish population. The book analyzes the reception of Hitler's "Mein Kampf" in the Jewish public and documents the increasing assaults as well as the societal reactions to these developments. It also discusses specific scandals and the role of the international community that observed the events in Germany. With a multitude of historical examples and a critical analysis of the political situation, the work offers a deep insight into the fears and challenges faced by the Jewish community.