This little book is quite unique. Although written in English, it presents some interesting snippets of German culture. I love the cover: a picture of Der Rattenfänger von Hameln (The Pied Piper of Hamlin). I have my own language school, and hold a Master's degree and PA Teaching Certification in German. This will be a great text for me to use to introduce German culture to children OR adults. Gott sei dank, the author does not depend on stereotypical examples, such as the Alps, Lederhosen, Wurst, Bier, to present the numbers from 1-10. Whether he is well acquainted with Germany's culture and history through his own study of German, or not, the author, nevertheless, reflects his wish to provide accurate information. I offer kudos to him for his attention to correct English grammar as well. I can't wait until Count Your Way Through Germany 1-20 comes out!

As a teacher of German in an elementary school, it is always difficult to find appropriate (if any) books to use in the classroom. Although this book is written in English, therefore technically off-limits in my German-only program, it has wonderful cultural ties that can be used at some point in my classes. The pictures, if nothing else, give a lot of information about German culture. This is also a great book for regular classroom teachers wanting to introduce a new culture to their students. What a thrill to find!

Dorthea Meding's recent translation is timely and of interest to both historians of this important subject, the resistance, or Widerstand, within Germany itself to the course of the war, and its effects upon Germans then, and in the future. It is a remarkeable achievement in addition of skillful interviewing with the almost all of the surviving spouses of the key players in the 1944 plot to not only end HItler's lilfe, but to rescue the country from the brutal bombing, and mass expulsions taking place in the East at this time. It is humorously recounted, often (in the case of Dietrich Bonheffer's widow), always involved in the person of these women their constant concern for their children, their roles, and their views of the importance of the conspiracy later for Germany, and for what would came after the ashes of 1945. The women interviewed are extremely individualistic, and spirited, although many of them are close now to their eighties, or older. this reviewer regards the book as an important contribution to womens' literature, as well as to the literature of the resistance of this time.

What you ever wanted to know about the wifes whose men died fighting against Hitler in the underground during the Third Reich. Very intimate, touching and informing.

EXCELLENT. This book, which is really a thesis paper, was very well written. The bibliography, about 7 pages long has many other great references cited. This is an excellent book to start with for those wishing to learn more about the transformation of Germany into a military power between the wars.

During the 1980s the CIA's Office of Research and Development, under its 'Deception Research Program,' conducted conferences on and analyses of strategic deception: its history, theory, and prospects. Barton Whaley, who as an MIT researcher had amassed the world's largest database of political and military deceptions and stratagems, and had authored the definitive account of how Hitler hoodwinked Stalin ("Codeword Barbarossa"), became one of the Deception Research Program's principle investigators.
"Covert German Rearmament, 1919-1939" was originally a research paper, written for the Deception Research Program, on how Germany consistently violated the Versailles Treaty disarmament mandates and prohibitions on rearmament from 1920 to 1935 and got away with extensive deceptions, despite British, French, and American on-the-ground inspectors. Germany collaborated extensively with Soviet Russia to evade Western treaty constraints. The parallels to the post-Gulf War UN inspections of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction deceptions are manifold.
Once Hitler came to power and unilaterally rejected the Versailles limitations, Germany switched to a deceptive strategy of exaggerating its air power and land power while hiding its sea power. Whaley describes how every naval power in the 1920s and 1930s cheated on naval limits, but Germany cheated more, vastly understating the displacement of its capital ships. As a result, the Royal Navy had to deploy two or even three capital ships to challenge the German monsters, such as Bismarck. As a result, Germany completely evade the spirit and the purpose of the naval limitations; to keep fleets in balance and avoid a naval arms race.
By deceptively exaggerating German land and especially air power, Hitler successfully bluffed the British and French over the Austrian Anschluss, the reoccupation of the Rhineland, and most significantly over Czechoslovakia at Munich. Thinking he could bluff again, Hitler invaded Poland, and started the most catastrophic war in history.
About the author: Barton Whaley, among the best-known analysts of deception, is author of "Stratagem, Deception and Surprise in War;" "Cheating and Deception" (with J.Bowyer Bell); "Codeword Barbarossa;" "Soviet Clandestine Communication Nets;" and "The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Magic."

This out-of-print novel is almost impossible to read, with its academic style and endless German syntax. In fact, I had to listen to it (Books on Tape) because I frequently lost interest. Only the tape player kept it alive.

Nevertheless, little parts of this novel stand out as some of the most powerful images I've ever read. The setting of post-WW2 Berlin has always fascinated me, and Berger speaks with great authority. Seemingly anachronistic references ("famous German blonde pussy") ring true. They talked like that in the 40s. Trudchen is convinving and erotic as a whore. Schatzie's execution by firing squad is too real and too detailed to be imaginary; I reember it at odd times, like when I'm falling asleep, and it still disturbs me.

I think that this book accurately reports postt-WW2 Berlin, which is a lot more than you can say about most WW2 books. History is written by the victor. Berger's novel is history written from the conquered's point of view. It is depressing but I recomend it for its veracity and its occasional powereful writing, well worth the time.

CDS

I am amazed that "Crazy in Berlin", "Reinhart in Love" etc. are not in print even in a trade paperback edition. We need to show more respect for the works of our talented authors. As I remember "Crazy in Berlin", it was a comedic look at postwar Berlin and its denizens. "Reinhart in Love" and "Reinhart's Women" continue the life story of the main character in "Crazy in Berlin". Those who appreciate John Updike and John Irving owe it to themselves to read some of Thomas Berger.

This is a comprehensive account of the ideological development of the Third Reich. I highly recommend anyone interested in the Nazi Germany to read this book. George L. Mosse has a writing style that I have encountered in few historians. He presents his idea's is simple, but profound manner. I can guarentee this book will get your brain juices flowing in a delightful way.

Mosse has challenged the set thoughts on the origins of the third reich (such as the Luther to Hitler theories and the idea that the people in Germany were merely subjected to propaganda, which ultimately shows the weakness of human beliefs). A must if one is studying Nazi germany or have an interest in twentieth century political theory.

An intriguing and informative account of (at least for me) a beforehand unknown type of naval warrior. Capt. Slavick portrays the intregrity, honor and sterling seamanship of the German sailors in a well paced account of their arduous and eventful journey. The book is effuse with personal anecdotes of the crew and Slavick does an especially good job of portaying the exceptional character and ability of Kapitan-zur-See Bernard Rogge. This account compares with "South" by Shakleton in intrigue but is a more juicy and livlier book.

On a recommendation, I ordered this book as I am interested in history. Upon receipt, I honestly thought it would be like many historical accounts I've read: dry, long, a battle to read through. How absolutely wrong I turned out to be!!!! This book was amazing and I couldn't put it down. I completed the book in one sitting...

In fact, Capt Slavick's writing style and story telling was so captivating, I FOUND MYSELF ROOTING FOR THE GERMAN RAIDERS against the Allies!!!

This is a story of perseverence, leadership, integrity, dedication-to-duty, experience, job knowledge, "can-do" attitudes and yes, even discipline. The crew of the Atlantis displayed all of these time-honored words that the military holds so dear. The terms themselves may be cliche to some, but to the military, they mean "mission accomplished." When one reads this book, one will have a better understanding of what these words truly mean.

Capt Slavick also captures the essence of WWII naval warfare for the reader. He brings the reader onto the ship and deftly includes us into the nuances of inaction and wildly takes us along during the explosive interruption of combat and chaos...

Read this book, you won't be disappointed!

A superb read. If I were a dog, I would be salivating.

I re-read this book recently, which allowed me to place it on my list of books worthy of review. To begin, Dr. Nancy Mitchell is an outstanding professor. Having sat in her classroom several years ago as a graduate student, I can now look back and add that she is one of the best teachers I've ever had.

The Danger of Dreams is exceptional because it is timeless. In the early twentieth-century, there was a political game being played between the US and Germany; but, as Dr. Mitchell clearly demonstrates through careful research, "the uncertainty of it all, of perception and reality," allowed policy makers to distort and twist perception until it could become reality. In this case, it was the dreams of a kaiser versus the ambition and intent of a rising power.

As a history book, Mitchell stepped to the plate and knocked the ball out of the park. She writes like she teaches (grabbing your attention and pulling you in), using such a wide range of sources that any student of history will be both envious and enlightened. As a careful analysis of diplomacy and policy making, she has added a great volume to the shelves of political scientists as well. For those who read purely for pleasure, here too she rounds the bases because this book is a great story and it is exceptionally told.

In the games that nations play, "perhaps there is a constant ratio of power to sense of threat," and perhaps there are some powerful and very modern lessons here. Perception is reality, isn't it?

Major Allen C. Boothby, Jr.
Infantry Officer
US Marine Corps

This is a splendid book. It is extremely well researched, yet it reads like a novel, because the author writes so well. It illuminates US-German relations in the 1890-1914 period, as well as US and German policies toward Latin America in those years, providing a subtle and nuanced interpretation that is based on an impressive amount of evidence culled from the US, British and German archives. And, again, it combines the rigor of a superb historian with the grace of a first-class novelist.

Mr. Levy has written a gripping story that could qualify as an action filled, suspenseful, first rate novel. The added dimensions of ethnicity, youthfulness and brashness, and knowing the story is true make it all the more remarkable. A wonderful tale!

Describes with dramatic tension and sympathetic humour, the gap between a young Jewish airman's high expectations of the glamour and rewards offered by joining the R.A.F and the real world Shot down,a young Jewish airman parachutes down into Nazi occupied Germany.

This book turned out much better then I thought it would. I have read a number of books about the last days of World War Two in Berlin and this book captures that same feel. I thought the author does a good job in describing the atmosphere to the point that I could feel the tension and depression. The story is a good one with a solid plot. This book reads well with economic time successfully spent on character development. If you are interested in this period of time this is a very good fiction book that covers it.

As a self appointed WWII buff and historian i find Thomas Wisemans Novel/HistoryThe Day before Sunrise probably the best combination of history andNovel type thrills I have ever read. Mr Wiseman conveys such realism in his style that at times I actually could smell and feel the bombed out and hased feel of Berlin in it's death throws. The writing style and character development would make Michner jealous. If you would really like to be truly transported to Berlin in early 1945 than this is th ticket. I can say no more other than it's time to take a ride. Peter Guzzo pguzzo@xtalwind.net

I was impressed by this book and am not surprised that it won the Pultizer Prize. It was a well written telling of the struggles of the German Jews.

I had heard about Rabbi Baeck several years ago but had never read about his life. He was a brilliant scholar and very influential in Reformed Judaism. I'd have liked to know more about his wife. She was an essential companion in his life.

He refused to go to the Gestapo office on his Holy days even when commanded. He remained a great source of courage to the Jewish community and refused to leave them even when offered safe emigration.

He is a great example of a man of peace. I once read in a magazine his moving and controversial prayer for the forgiveness of the Nazis. This is an excellent and readable book.

Leonard Baker's Pulitzer Prize winning biography is an compilation of the life of one of history's greatest unknowns. In addition to taking the reader through the life of the "seelsorger" known as Leo Baeck, Baker shows the changes in Germany from the beginning of the twentieth century through the horrors of the Second World War. One can see first hand how the bitterness losing in World War I evolved into the greatest and most frightening regimes to ever take power. This book is perfect for those interested in German history, the Holocaust, and anyone who loves biographies. By the end of this book, you will answer Patrick Dolan's question of, "Who the Hell is Leo Baeck?"