This text is an introductory survey of German society focusing on the post-unification situation. It raises questions relating to German identity and adopts an integrated approach, considering ...society, culture, politics, economics and history. The stability and normality of the Federal Republic and its position in world affairs is assessed. The book aims to provide the background to contemporary Germany required for students of modern languages, or those courses containing an element of German studies.
'An excellent, concise analysis of the main features of the political, economic and cultural aspects of a changing Germany in a changing Europe.' – Dr Peter James, Newcastle-upon-Tyne ' Understanding Contemporary Germany is an informed, clearly structured, internally well articulated and extremely useful volume for the introduction of crucial history, social, political, cultural and economic aspects of contemporary Germany. It is well worth considering for any "German Studies" curriculum.' – Hans J. Rindisbacher, Popona College, USA. 'This timely book provides a comprehensive account of social, economic, political and intellectual developments in post-war Germany until early 1996. The book includes a useful chronical of political events and a glossary and will provide a reliable guide to the many undergraduates who will doubtless use it.' – Ian Wallace, University of Bath.
The last decade has undoubtedly been the most controversial in the long literary career of Martin Walser. This volume presents a review of this career, going far beyond short-lived arguments to ...present an insightful overview of much of his work. It considers not only major aspects of his writing, covering both his literary beginnings and the most recent works, but also different, previously neglected features of his persona and his writing, namely his activity as a university teacher and his art criticism. In addition, fruitful comparisons are made with other writers, such as Proust, Grass and Uwe Johnson. At the same time, recent controversies are also considered with major attention being paid to Walser's public speeches and those works of fiction which have been seen by some as demanding the end of German self-recriminations over the Nazi past. This volume is unique in that much space is devoted to both sides of the argument. It will provide stimulating reading to all those interested in Germany and German literature.
Even before the publication of Tod eines Kritikers, Martin Walser found himself accused by the critic Frank Schirrmacher of having written an anti-Semitic attack on Marcel Reich-Ranicki. When the ...text became available, others followed suit and Walser's whole oeuvre was examined for the same 'crime'. Walser had many defenders and, on the basis of the opposing comments, it is impossible to reach a conclusion. An examination of the text is made difficult by the narrative structure. Although Schirrmacher's accusation appears dubious, the satirical attack on Reich-Ranicki and critics in general in the television age does not constitute one of Walser's best novels. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
German Text Crimes offers new perspectives on scandals and legal actions implicating writers of German literature since the 1950s. A wide range of topics not all involve codified law, but all test ...relations between state power, civil society, media industries and artistic license.
