Otto Pflanze's book describes how Bismarck manipulated domestic and international politics to unify Germany.
This book, ending in 1871 at the end of the first phase of Bismarck's career is the first of three volumes. The book begins by showing how idealists and romantics tried and failed to unite Germany, but Bismarck was a realist and based his methods on the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

First Bismarck used cunning diplomacy to isolate the Austria, Prussia's rival for control of the German states. The Franco Austrian war demonstrated Austria's weakness, and increased worries among northern Germans about French strength. This improved Prussia's hand, and later Bismarck's hand.

Pflanze follows Bismarck's tactics step by step through his labyrinthine maneuvers as he
played France against Austria during the Schleswig Holstein situation Bismarck wanted to separate Austria from the German confederation and inspire the northern German states to unite into a Northern German confederation.

After Bismarck unified northern Germany he designed the constitution to allow him to play the Reichstag against the Prussian chamber of deputies. There was also a balance of power between the state and confederate governments. We also see domestic political and economic background to Bismarck's actions. Pflanze shows the domestic politics after Bismarck created the northern German confederation.

Bismarck used relations with France to make advances toward the southern German states. Pflanze carefully shows how Bismarck cleverly tried to use the Luxemburg crisis to woo the southern German states. But the southern German states were afraid of being overwhelmed by Prussia. The only thing that the southern German states admired about the northern German confederation was the Prussian military expertise.

Relations between France and Prussia worsened when the throne of Spain was offered to a Hohenzollern Kaiser William did not care if any of his relatives got the Spanish throne or not. But when Bismarck made it seem that the French had demanded that Kaiser William renounce any attention in the Spanish throne, he angrily refused. The nationalist French responded by declaring war.

Bismarck wanted a war with France to inspire the southern Germans to join the northern confederation against the threat of France. In this he succeeded. But nationalist anger of many, and political reasons of Bismarck caused Germany to annex Alsace Lorraine, which resulted in permanent hatred from France.
The only faults of this book are that Pflanze should have described the people more. He also should have included more maps and a bibliography.

This is a work which, if you like solid history, you should read. It tells of the momentous things going on in Europe in the 19th century which are illuminated by this excellent work

If these delectable guides' plentiful pix don't get you drooling to explore, you need to get your salivary glands checked. The text is also noteworthy. (NY Daily News)

One of the best travel book series, with attention to detail, plus numerous color photographs and fine maps. Lots of instructions regarding practical travel matters. (Travel Books Review)

Ravensbruck stood out among German concentration camps as gender specific: only women were imprisoned there. Perhaps for this reason, it has suffered from historical neglect, despite the fact that its inmates were often extremely important members of resistance movements in France, Germany and throughout Europe. By translating this extremely important memoir of Nanda Herbermann, known and taught widely in Germany, the Baers have made an important first step in telling the history of Ravensbruck. Baer's scholarly introduction frames the memoir from many angles--women in the holocaust, the new woman, the Catholic Church and the Nazis and wartime resistance. This is an important book for scholars of the twentieth century, and would make an excellent choice for teaching Nazi Germany, the Second World War and the Holocaust. It would also fit well in courses on women's autobiography.

What do you think of whenever you hear the word, "Holocaust?" If you are like me, you think of German concentration camps and the Jews. It came as a complete surprise to me that Roman Catholic Aryan German could land in one of their "own"camps. This is exactly what happened to Nanda Herbermann, a German living in Munster. As an editor and writer for The Grail, her parish publication, Herbermann and parish priest, Father Muckermann, were part of the German, Catholic resistance to the Nazis. For this, Muckermann was forced to flee Germany; Herbermann was eventually arrested by the Gestapo and incarcerated at Ravensbruck, a concentration camp for women. In her own words, penned in "The Blessed Abyss, Inmate #6582 in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp for Women," we receive from Herbermann a detailed account of the horrors of her daily life, but from a very different perspective than Jewish accounts. Here is a woman who was brought up as an Aryan, with Aryan views, who slowly softens and revises her attitude toward Jews, lesbians, prostitutes and all other minorities imprisoned in Ravensbruck as she is thrown in among them and faced with the realities of their mutual hardships. Her incredulity that this is happening to her, that these atrocities are committed by her beloved, fellow Germans is a crushing blow. It is truly her faith that carries her through these daily "stations of the cross." This compelling reading is enhanced by Hester and Elizabeth Baer's meticulously written Preface and Introduction. Here she provides the reader with a detailed history of the Catholic Church's involvement with the Nazis, Herbermann's life and family, and a provocative discussion of women and the Holocaust. This is truly eye-opening, ground breaking reading that I consider imperative to any scholar of the Holocaust or someone who wants to read "the rest of the story."

I need this book urgentl

The book contains hundreds of photograhps of mainly the BMW R12 and some of the R75. All photographs are taken in Worldwar II and represent valuable historic information on how these bikes were used in combat. It also reveals the strategies being used by motorcycle companies and shows some of the human suffering of this era. Furthermore it contains valuable technical information, drawings and exploded views of the BMW R75. Highly recommended to anyone interested in this part of the history or for those who are involved in BMW R12 or R75 restoration.

I loved this book!

I expected an interesting memoir of WWII as seen through the eyes of a
German farmer schoolboy living near the Eastern front in 1940-45, who fought
as a soldier during the final months of the war. I expected I would hear a
different-than-usual perspective because of his youth and German Army
affiliation. I expected to learn a bit about the life led by Germans of
that time in that place. But this account is so much more than an
interesting war memoir.

Punctuated with actual pages, drawings and photographs from his childhood
diary, Thamm's book draws you in to the heart, soul and mind of this
intelligent, hard-working, mischievous and perceptive child. I felt right
there with young Gerhardt in his classes or driving his family's team of
horses, soaking up the history of his town, studying with friends,
discovering girls, listening to Nazi propaganda on the radio and to his
grandparents' and townsfolk's comments on the war. Rich with details,

insights, and historical fact, populated with memorable and varied
personalities, this book is a fascinating read. And that's even before the
account of life on the front lines of war.

My recommendation: Don't miss it!

"Boy Soldier" is written is a simple yet stunningly powerful style. It captures all of the essential elements of a great story: a sylvan existence which is violated by the ravages of war; a love story even in the midst of conflict; and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a seductive journey for the reader who knows in the beginning chapters that a dark period lies ahead. The book begins by offering a privileged window on the idyllic country life of a young country lad in Silesia. Gradually the author brings one to an appreciation of the culture, the people and the way of life in the small village of Jauer southwest of Breslau. One senses that there is a timeless beauty to this place, almost crystal in its simplicity and fragility.

Having seen the senseless waste of war I knew what was to come as the book progressed, although this was little suspected by the victims of the story, including the author. There was a undeniable tension as the sound of the approaching Russian army grew in intensity. Despite this specter and the destruction of his home and way of life, the writer brought the tragedy and victory of this personal account to pass in a very human way.

One of the things that leaps from the pages of this very readable writing is how compatible it would be with a screen version. It is literally in the correct format. This needs to be explored, for among other things it would bring war to the general public in a very personal way quite different from that traditionally seen.

I read this book in two sittings. It is a compelling personal account that is a valuable addition to my library.

I don't read a lot of biographies because I often find the amount of detail to be excruciatingly excessive, and often the writer, even if he knows the person he is writing about personally, often tends to descend into sharp criticism of his subject, as if that were the norm in our age of gossip and entertainment. Perhaps the necessary detachment in this case comes from the fact that Brahms died just over a hundred years ago, for his was not a perfect character!

I have always liked Brahms' compositions quite a bit, especially his chamber music, which is among the best. Yet I have never bothered to read a biography of the composer. I only read this one because a relative of mine is handling the estate of one of the author's wives (not Irene, the collaborator), and while visiting this relative I was offered the book. Fortunately, from the outset I thoroughly enjoyed reading Prof. Geiringer's biography.

Geiringer acknowledges that there have been many other fine biographies of Brahms, and he decided to write one only because he was given access to about a thousand letters of correspondence Brahms received from well-know artists like the Schumann's, the violinist Joachim, and many others. Geiringer combines a vast knowledge of Brahms' life and music with these letters to produce a highly readable and entertaining work, w/o a hint of sensationalism.

In order to leave enough room for a discussion of Brahms' extensive output, the author limits his discussion of the composer's life to about 200 pages, yet it is quite thorough. Brahms' early life of extreme poverty is discussed w/o trying to evoke sympathy, followed by the burgeoniong composer's failure to get a post in his native Hamburg, a lifelong hurt for Brahms, but which very fortuitously causes him to move eventually to Vienna, where his music flowers in a very supportive environment. The young composer's career is given a huge push by a letter Robert Schumann writes in a widely read journal, and Brahms fulfills those expectations, though he surely destroys many compositions we would love to hear, because of his high standards. Also, Brahms, unlike other composers, receives the accolades he deserves while still alive and composing.

The view we get of Brahms is balanced - we see his good humor and we also read the famous quote of the composer, who, upon leaving a party, wonders if there is anyone there he has not insulted! Also, while Brahms reaches tremendous heights in his art, he never marries in order to achieve it, and we read about the women (mostly singers of his choral music) he loves but cannot attach himself to. No, Brahms is far from perfect, yet the composer is unfailingly helpful and generous to his family, friends, and also to other composers - Dvorak usually comes to mind in this respect.

Following the biographical discussion of Brahms' life, the author as musicologist again provides a thorough but not excessive discussion of the different kinds of works the composer put out, from the chamber music to the many varieties of choral works.

Towards the end of the book Geiringer writes an excellent chapter called "The Man And The Artist," a thorough summary that, as expected, is succinct yet not sensational in any way.

Wonderfully written book! I borrowed it from a friend and I love it so much I am going to buy it! This book is conveniently divided into three sections (Brahm's life, work, and letters). There are many references to his actual letters throughout the book. Brahm's certainly had an interesting life (definitely more interesting than what I had learned in music classes!) This book explains the relation between his music and life experiences very effectively. Quite a joy to read!

This book is a beautiful masterpiece, with a subtle influence from Hieronymous Bosch. They don't make them like this any more. Very few illustrated children's books show the level of love and care put into this one. It would be a lovely addition to a child's book collection, or for anyone who loves and appreciates art.

This retelling of the Brave Little Tailor is a suitable vehicle for the breathtaking illustrations throughout. Subtle details hide on every page waiting to be discovered. While I was rendered breathless by the depth of each drawing, my son thought the book was scary. He didn't really follow all the mollusks and creatures. That's ok though, there is a sophistication to this children's book that makes it more at home on my coffee table than on his bookshelf. Well worth a look.

Of all the stories my father read to me as a child, this was my favorite. Its endearing story of self-discovery is timeless, and not to mention quite humorous for a six year old boy. It reminds me of a time far less complicated and will thus always hold a special place of affection for me. This was the Catcher in the Rye of my Elementary years. I would highly recommend this to anyone with children looking for quite simply a flat out good story to read them that they will enjoy.

The Breman Town Musicians is a simple story that involves setting goals and team work. It has two things that children love, music and animals. What a combination!

As a 17 year childcare veteran, I highly recommmend this book. Kids today can use all the inspiration they can get. A great way to learn is to read. I read this book to my daughter when she was a child. Now I am getting a new copy for my grand daughter.

This book was written by my grandfather. It is his account of World War II, having been through it while still a child. It contains many topics that are not regularly discussed when talking about the war, including the fact that people from many nations were used as slaves in small farm communities, and were the property of regular people. However, many showed kindness to my grandfather, proving that not all people involved in this war were evil, or followed the ideals of the government. The way in which it is written allows it to be read and understood easliy.

This book [THE BRIDGE OVER THE MAIN] is a book that keeps your interest till the last page of the book. Every chapter is exciting , it captures all your feelings. Even the two back pages Olypia and Stan. Also the back cover.

This was just a great book. No books that I've read on this subject have been quite so compelling!

The author mesmerizes you with the simplicity and eloquence of her writing. She moves you with her childhood, her courage in the camps and the power of her spirit in returning to choose life again.