In Germany: Memories of a Nation, Neil MacGregor (former director of the British Museum) walks us through German history using objects (art, buildings, literature, money, etc.) from its past. As such, this is not a chronological, nor complete, walk through time. Instead, it is a series of independent (yet interrelated) chapters, each giving insight to a different aspect of German history, language, and culture. And it is outstanding.
I've read a handful of books are different parts of German history, but sought something more comprehensive. MacGregor pulls off an impressive feat: he manages to paint a picture of a land, making the reader understand its people and past, without the standard approach to these topics. Illustrations abound (I'd estimate 40% of the 560 pages are pictures), helping the reader track the discussions. I learned a lot, and now have a desire to visit some of the objects discussed. But be warned: this is not for those who need a comprehensive historical recap. For example, World Wars I and II aren't discussed in any detail, save through things that revisit the horrors and legacies of those times. You won't learn details of what caused WWI, how Hitler came to power, and the like. But what you do get is a series of 'cameos' (as one reviewer put it) that give perhaps more insight into Germany than a dry retelling of events as they occurred. If you read one book on Germany, read this.
Rating: A
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