The West in the 20th century

In this volume of essays, the great historian and peace prize-winner Fritz Stern examines the West on its way from the »Second Thirty Years` War« (1914-1945) to the breakdown of the Soviet Union, resulting in the introduction of the new unilateralism from the USA. He asks what lessons history has taught us and warns us - not without referring to the present day - of the fatal consequences if we fail to heed them.

Once more, Fritz Stern proves himself to be a brilliant »committed observer« who is not afraid to point out the connections between historical analysis and present-day situations. For according to Stern, »every situation in the present holds a certain amount of freedom for development in the future«. Stern`s moving plea for role models is derived from the basic open nature of history: »people always were and remain important as the protagonists in history«.
In detailed discussions in the second part of the volume, Fritz Stern addresses questions concerning his historiographic work and how he sees himself as a historian.

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Spain: Atmarcardia, S.L.

The Author
Fritz Stern, born in Breslau in 1926, is a Professor Emeritus for History at Columbia University. He has received numerous awards, including the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (1999). His most important works include: »Kulturpessimismus als politische Gefahr« (The Politics of Cultural Despair) (1963); »Gold und Eisen. Bismarck und sein Bankier Bleichröder« (Gold and Iron: Bismarck, Bleichröder and the Building of the German Empire) (1977); »Das feine Schweigen« (Subtle Silence and its Consequences) (1999); »Verspielte Größe« (2005). His memoirs »Fünf Deutschland und ein Leben« (Five Germanys I Have Known) were published in 2007.

Published by Wallstein
Saul Friedländer. Den Holocaust beschreiben (Describing the Holocaust)