Edition |
First American edition. |
Description |
466 pages : illustrations, maps ; 22 cm |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages [443]-450) and index. |
Summary |
Germany has a culture that both fascinates and puzzles Winder, a Londoner. This broad and often whimsical portrayal of German history and culture is an apparent effort to express and perhaps understand those dual sentiments. Winder traces German history from the dim, mythological pre-Roman past in northern forests to the Nazi seizure of power in 1933. Although he utilizes a chronological narrative, his account is loaded with enjoyable digressions on German food, the charm of medieval castles, and German composers. Some of his historical points are instructive, including the fact that, for most of history, "Germany" was defined by language rather than geographical or religious unity, which he sees as fundamental in understanding the ferocity of German nationalism in the twentieth century. This is an enjoyable, often amusing, often serious effort to understand a people who remain at the center of European civilization.--Booklist |
Subject |
Germany -- Civilization.
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National characteristics, German.
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ISBN |
9780374254001 hardcover |
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0374254001 hardcover |
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