Germany Books

As a person who has read a lot of Hauerwas's work, the themes in this book did not surprise me at all. What did surprised me was the responsive feel that many of the essays had. In this book, it seems like Hauerwas was very aware of the criticisms against his work and feels compelled to respond to them. Hauerwas has always been invested in Theological disputes. However, in most of his older work, he was the one who served as a critic of another's thought. Lately, though, much of his work has been defending his own ideas (which he would probably claim are not his own, but a faithful expression of the Christian faith). This book is no exception.

Hauerwas has been criticized for being anti-modern, anti-liberal democracy, and sectarian. In Performing the Faith, he seems to be saying "yeah, but so what" to the first two. He is against modernity and wants to move away from foundational ways of thinking becasue he sees it as harmful to the faith. He is against liberal democracy, particularly in its most typical recent defenses, because it replaces the Christian story with a new non-story (the story that you don't need a story). It seems, though, that it is the sectarian charge that he takes most offense to. In this book particularly, Hauerwas seeks to make clear that the distinction he draws between the church and the world is "permeable" and for the good of the world. You find a desire for the church's witness to the world to be such that the world knows it is the world and desires to be the church. His emphasis on Bonhoeffer is important because Bonhoeffer experienced the tension between the church and the world in unique and compelling ways.

Buyer beware: this is a book of Hauerwas essays not a book on Bonhoeffer. Only the first section deals with Bonhoeffer. Not surprisingly, Hauerwas's read of Bonhoeffer makes Bonhoeffer sound a lot like Hauerwas (and Yoder). That does not necessarily make it wrong, but it is worth noting.

I believe this is a wonderful defense of the ideas Hauerwas has fought so long for.

Performing the Faith is the first book I have read of Stanley Hauerwas and I feel as though I have met a new friend. I am particularly pleased to have stumbled upon him because, while I have found many excellent biographers, historians, philosophers, scientists, social commentators, etc. to read, Hauerwas is the first contemporary intellectual evangelical Christian that has captured my attention (perhaps I have not looked very hard). Hauerwas is candid and relevant. He seems to love the give and take of a good debate. He concedes ground when appropriate, but holds his own with wit and good humor.

In this collection of essays, Hauerwas tests and expands his views against (and with) Augustine, Aquinas, Wittgenstein, Yoder, Millbank, Stout, Rawls, Barth and a host of others, including, of course, Bonhoeffer. Though Bonhoeffer is named in the book's subtitle, the heart of the book is found in the essays in part two: Truthful Performances. "What is overlooked by both subjective and objective accounts of faith is the sense in which Christian existence is first and foremost and activity - a performance, if you will." Hauerwas, with James Fodor, effectively use the analogy of rhetoric, musical performance and improvisation to illuminate "the general art of living well under God." In the next essay, Hauerwas uses Wittgenstein's work "to help rediscover the frightening beauty of the particular," to which the Christian is called to be a faithful witness. This means engaging in "life-forming practices . . . without seeking false comforts in a world of contingency."

Particularly good are Hauerwas's essays on September 11, 2001. Hauerwas is uncomfortable with the fact that "we get to call the violently secured order that makes our lives possible - peace. Only terrorists refuse to accept the peace our order names." His discomfort is exacerbated because "we know it is possible to love our enemies. Otherwise why would Christ in the Sermon on the Mount ask that we so love?" He asks, "Are we to make Christ a liar? If we do not think it possible to love our enemies, then we should plainly say Jesus is not the Messiah." What is the truth Christians are called to bring to the table? What is the Christian witness to be in a world of violence? Hauerwas doesn't offer up simplistic answers but he does concede "Yoder [in his book The Politics of Jesus] convinced me that if there is anything to this Christian `stuff' it must surely involve the conviction that the Son would rather die on the cross than have the world to be redeemed by violence."

I recommend Performing the Faith to anyone who is interesting in thoughtfully considering what it means to be a Christian in the context of our new-world-at-perpetual-war-order. I look forward to reading more of Hauerwas.

Professor Anderson's tightly researched history will stand on its own as the first rigorous history of Behrens. It is beautifully supported by the illustrations and book design (which I hereby, arms waving, nominate for a Graphic Design Award). More than a history of Behrens it is an example to architecture and art historians whatever their subjects; a model of historiography and academic care. Architecture history in particular needs the kind of attention Professor Anderson has here applied to it.

This is a lengthy, superbly written book about the life, work and cultural milieu of one of the most interesting architectural, industrial and graphic designers of the 20th century, better known for having influenced three famous protégés (Mies Van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius) than for his own contributions as designer of his innovative Art Nouveau home in the Darmstadt Artists' Colony; as director of the Kunstgewerbeschule at Düsseldorf; as a founding member of the Deutscher Werkbund; and as corporate designer for AEG, the still extant German electrical firm. Before his death in 1940, he played a brief and minor role in Albert Speer's plans for redesigning Berlin. The text is unrelenting in its attempt to identify Behrens' own influences and trace the sequence of his thoughts. It is assuredly richer because of the accompanying 250 illustrations, and, especially, the thoughtful and fitting design by Yasuyo Iguchi. (Review copyright © 2000 by Roy R. Behrens from Ballast Quarterly Review 15, No. 4, Summer.)

I have been collecting children's illustrated books since 1999;
I have nearly 1300 of them now. And I would put this one in my
Top Ten favorites. First, I like this particular story because
it takes place near the village of my German ancestors. Second,
architecture nearly always plays a large part in my list of top
favorites and this is loaded with wonderful old medieval
buildings (the illustrator's father was an architect and his love
for it shows). Third, I am partial to stories in rhyme which this
not only has but it is also very easy flowing rhyme. It is never
strained. Fourth, the moral remains in place and could in fact
be used in political discussion. When the Piper asks for
payment for his services, the townsfolk reply: "'What? Give all we have, the town's greatest riches! You'd be lucky to get a new
pair of britches!' The Piper stood still, and saw that these creatures had nothing of kindness nor truth in their features"
And last, I love making new & talented discoveries. I had never
heard of these two Aussies before, but I will keep looking for
their work from now on. P.S. The illustrator, Zak, came to
Australia by way of Prague, Czech Republic, which has probably
the greatest concentration of beautiful architecture in the
world. No wonder he is so good at depicting it!

This is a gorgeous book and a wonderful version of the story for young kids. The ending is of course sad for the parents in the story (the kids leave with the piper because the parents did not pay his bill), but for the kids in the story, things don't seem so bad. "The children left singing for a future much brighter. And thus Hamelin paid for the tunes of the piper." The illustrations are spectacular (some of the most interesting pictures I have seen in a children's book). I bought this book initially because I could not obtain an out-of-print version of the Pied Piper story which was recommended in Jim Trelease's book THE READ-ALOUD HANDBOOK (a wonderful resource for parents who want to teach children the enjoyment of reading and books). When I finally obtained the book Mr. Trelease recommended, I found I liked this version illustrated by Drahos Zak and retold by Robert Holden even better. My kids are in first and third grades, and both love this book (I love it too!) I recommend this book very highly.

This awakening-to-consciousness journey laid before the reader is rich and enlightening; painting the pictures of lands and beliefs with a full colored brush.
The true story gives us a look into how Nazi Germany bent and broke both Jewish and Christian people in subtle and shocking ways; ultimately-in the wake of its destruction-sending one young man, whose indoctrination into the Hitler youth estranged him from his own family and the reality of the plight of Jewish countrymen, across nations on a spiritual search for meaning in an exploration of the religions of the world.
Information and insights on Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity broaden the reader along with this pilgrim.
The route from conquered Germany through places like impoverished streets of Bombay, a cave in the Himalayas, ashrams in India, sand stormed deserts in Pakistan, Babylonian excavations in Iraq, the Jordanian border to Jerusalem is filled with richly described encounters, hazards and life lessons. Getting from point A to point B is alternately smooth and tense with risks.
The end leaves one wanting to know more; believing that if peace and reconciliation can be possible for this man, with all his baggage on his search for a meaningful life of peace, then it is more than a nebulous vision for the rest of us with our multi-patterned, cultural valises in tow.
I recommend this book to everyone- if for no other reason than to garner a glimpse at Oskar/Asher's winding paths and how it is in the daily existence of those who we may never meet, in lands we may only read about or see in snatches of media.
This author has sensitively and honestly written this insightful biography which shows practical applications for today's journeys to the possibilities of peace between nations and people with myriad belief systems.
It says so completely that it is not necessary to go down the path of destruction again.
This would be an excellent book for reading groups/ethical societies where discussion is included.
My recommendation is: read and share with others.
You will want to discuss this book!

This is an amazing story of a man who was in the hitler youth, and became an orthodox Jew living in Israel. The story of his journey - spiritual and physical - is incredible. The book is written so that you feel as if you are experiencing the story with Oskar/Asher. Definitely recommended reading!

This book, as far as I can tell, remains to this day one of the best written and most comprehensive reports on what was happening during the 18 or so months from the creation of Solidarity movement in Poland in August 1980 to the imposition of martial law on December 13, 1981. And the library of books on this subject, as far as English language is concerned, isn't big anyway.

First reason - the author was right where the action was, literally. And, unlike many other foreign correspondents, he did not limit himself to shallow, superficial observations calculated for fast print; he went further. He managed to get in touch with many Solidarity activists, on various levels, and through participation (as an observer) in meetings as well as conversations and interviews succeeded in getting more in depth description of what exactly was happening and explanation why and for what purpose.

Reporting of events, as important as it is in itself, was not the only feature of this book. Timothy Garton Ash also offers quite in depth, even if at times controversial, analysis of events and critical portraits of some key players in the political events - on both sides of the political 'barricade'. The characteristic of Wojciech Jaruzelski, the head of Polish government at the time (both Prime Minister and First Secretary of "PZPR" the Communist Party), particularly stands out as original and convincing.

I myself was actively involved in the Solidarity movement at that time and I can testify to the general accuracy of the statements contained in this book. No particular story, account of an event or critical analysis strikes me as improbable or outright false. Last but not least what also helps the book considerably is its lively, captivating narrative. It is, simply, a good read.

If the aim of the author was to bring Poland, its contemporary history and predicament closer to an English speaking reader, he graciously succeeded. I deem this book an essential reading for anyone who wants to get closer understanding of contemporary Poland and also some understanding of how it was like to live under the Communist rule in those years. Very highly recommended.

Timothy Ash was sent to Poland in August 1980 to cover a strike by workers in a Gdansk shipyard. He ended up covering a 16 month struggle for national independence which ended when the Polish Army declared a State of War and crushed the Solidarity movement in December 1981. His account is compelling, human and covers not only events in Warsaw, but other Solidarity centres and strikes around Poland. This book is a wonderfully rich introduction to contemporary Poland and the events and attitudes that have shaped Polish thinking since the war. If you are interested in reading about the Polish struggle for independence this is the book for you.

I read this book to compare it to my own experiences of war in Vietnam. Mr. Sirianni grew up in the same town that I developed in, long before I was born. I found that I had many of the experiences and attitudes that he aquired in a working class town. The panic, excitement, camaraderie, boredom, fatigue and self-awareness are the building blocks of all military men, regardless of background. His willingness to help out when times were tough and pay the price when it was over are common to all veterans. Today (2007) he still lives with the metal fragments embedded in his body the he recieved when he was wounded.
This is a good read, for no other reason than to understand that America is made of men like him and that any aspiring soldier/sailor will come away with the understanding that you have lived life to an extreme and can be proud of it.
Thank you Mr. Sirianni.

All too often we learn in history class about the valiant bravery of American soldiers in conflicts, but we forget that there is a high cost for our freedom. This book reveals the darker side of war, the horrors of losing friends and comrades, and ultimately the author loses his own freedom as he and others bravely protect the freedom that we all enjoy today. Throughout this book, Ralph Sirianni shares his vivid memories of bombing missions in Europe, being shot down, interrogated, and interned in a German POW camp. This book is invaluable reference to anyone who had a relative imprisoned in Stalag Luft One! For everyone else, you will be moved by the hardships faced by our imprisoned soldiers as well as by examples of human ingenuity, and faith. Thank you Mr. Sirianni for sharing your memories, as our fathers and grandfathers were often reluctant to revisit that time in their lives. Thanks to you, we can understand more about their experiences and how those experiences may have shaped who they are.

This book is broadly synthetic, deeply though implicitly historiographical, and deliciously sublime. I've read it now twice and though it may occasionally flag under the impressive crush of its voluminously well-documented research, the clarity of its ambition provides much worth reading and thinking about.

This is one of the most important books written on political culture in Imperial Germany. Anderson skillfully demonstrates that this era contained a vibrant culture of political contestation and democratic spirit. Despite the authoritarian aspects of the Imperial German government and constitution, Germans did not blindly follow the lead of entrenched elites.

In addition to its many contributions to academic debates in modern German history, _Practicing Democracy_ is a lively, well-written book, with wonderful anecdotes and engaging prose. It would be stimulating even for those with only an amateur interest in history.

The recent U.S. election debacle also adds saliency to what Anderson has to say. Much of her material is drawn from the records of election challenges, and offers insights into the difficult process of conducting free and fair elections, while also pointing out that ideas of election fairness are culturally conditioned.

As a historian of Germany and a lover of books and politics, I give this book my highest recommendation.

Frank Farnsley weaves a tale of hardness with a rare sensitive approach. In "Prisoner of War", Farnsley takes the reader through POW camplife like a tour guide in New York City! Unlike many war authors who lose their style of writing to grasp the fact of horror, Farnsley maintains his sly storytelling tongue and produces an epic that will go down in his family's history. I found out, after reading this book, that Farnsley died shortly after it's release. He end's his tale with Thomas Wolfe's quote: "You can't go home again" and disagrees saying that: "As long as I have one close,living relative, I shall go home again, because it's one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had." In light of his passing, he truly has gone home again.

This is a moving, first hand account of humor and horror, the torture and deprivations experienced by bombing crews shot down and captured over Nazi-occupied Europe in the closing days of WWII. It is a subject much overlooked by students of WWII and the daily trials and tribulations are painstakingly detailed by the author over fifty-years later in a short, simple but gripping narrative rarely spoken about by the men who lived through it.

A micro-brewer lent us his copy, and we immediately ordered one for us. It is a "must have" for beer lovers. It presents wide-ranging information about the history and manufacture of beer in a most engaging style. A definite page-turner!

I purchased this book because of my love for all types of beer. I have always been fascinated by the stories behind German beers. I had never realized, until I read this book, how each individual style evolved on its own and the politics behind it. I have purchased three additional copies of "Prost" to give as gifts to my friends who truly appreciate a great beers and the stories behind them. The author is both technically and intellectually competent, and surprisingly well written for someone whose native language is German. I would like to have, if given the opportunity, the pleasure of meeting him and meeting him and autographing my book.

This book is very good in that it not only goes into great detail about the Prussian army and the myriad battles and wars it fought, but also it explains the political, social, financial, monarchial, and geographic influences on the army itself, all of which were important. Many similar books have come out about the Prussian/German army, but this book excels at integrating the rest of Prussian life and culture into the book, which gives the reader a real feel as to why Prussia developed a paranoia about the rest of Europe and had to raise a huge army for hundreds of years.

For those interested in purchasing this book, it might be useful to describe Dr. White's style as being akin to Stephen Ambrose's own, but transplanted into the context of the era of horse and musket. Dr. White discourses on the weapons, politics, and major combats of the period, but never seems to leave the reader with the impression that this book (while compact) is really anything less than a complete synthesis of the phenomenon of militarism within the Prussian state. White is readable, personable, and does not cower behind the dispassionate mantle of of military historians such as Keegan when expressing his own views as to the nature of war. Hence, I reccommend _The Prussian Army_ to those seeking an overview of the rise of armed, nationalistic nations which, for the first time in quite awhile, does not take Adolf Hitler's Germany as its subject.

And to those who should have the good fortune to meet the author (as I have), please take the oppertunity. He is an extremely helpful, considerate, and supremely intelligent fellow.

-Brett MacKellar
U.S. Army, GVSU Alumn