`Culture and the texture of everyday experience, rather than the grand sweep of politics, are what MacDonogh relishes, and his account shines with his enthusiasm for his subject. This is the book of a well-informed flaneur sniffing the air . . . the attitudes and quirks that make Germany so distinctive are nicely brought to life.'
`Funny, erudite and, despite all the competition, original . . . MacDonogh's vivid tapestry does justice to the most despised and most envied people in Europe . . . as enjoyable as sitting in the lovely old square of a small town in Germany, quaffing a cold glass of hock to the sound of a distant Bach cantata.'
`[On Germany] benefits from a harvest of cross-cultural encounters gathered over many years of travel . . . waitresses, landladies and drinking companions become informants and case studies . . . tantalising.'
'Giles MacDonogh has repeatedly shown himself to be in the front rank of British scholars of German history.' * The Spectator *
`The story of a country reborn . . . an all-embracing book.'
'A fascinating romp through German history--engaging, honest and personal--that unfolds like a fine after-dinner conversation with a particularly erudite friend.' -- Rory MacLean, author of 'Berlin: Imagine a City'
'Forensic political and historical analysis, telling cultural detail and deep insights, with good jokes and fascinating twists. Want to know what happened to Nazi art after 1945? Or what the East German government thought of Elvis Presley? There are some excellent books on Germany; MacDonogh matches the best.' -- Frederick Taylor, author of 'The Berlin Wall' and 'Exorcising Hitler'
'Giles MacDonogh's splendid little book draws on his extensive historical insight and personal experience of mainland Europe's most important country. This highly personal and quirky work deftly intertwines human stories, superb anecdotes and historical-political set pieces, garnished with food and drink, to remind us of why Germany continues to intrigue us.' -- Brendan Simms, Professor of the History of European International Relations, Cambridge University, and author of 'Britain's Europe: A Thousand Years of Conflict and Cooperation'
