"Germany: Memories of a Nation" is an interesting attempt to summarise concisely something as diverse and complex as the history of the German state. I have always been puzzled about the acts that led to the amalgamation of seemingly separate cities into a single entity and hoped this text would put such that foundation into context with the history of modern Germany.

Neil MacGregor does attempt to communicate the key events that resulted in the founding of Germany and the following events that shaped it through the use of artefacts and paintings that are all inevitably related to those found at the British Museum. It is because of this, MacGregor's work feels scatter-shot, incomplete, and very much a British view of German history. In particular, he relies too heavily on quotes and opinions from his mates in the British Museum (where he was curator), to the point many of the "expert" opinions read fatuously and vacuously. On a positive note, the work does not focus too much on the 1930s to 1989, which are often the main focus of any historian writing about the history of Germany. So if you want a world-wind tour of German history, with only 5-minutes to look around at each stop along the way, this is your text. However, if you are looking for something more substantial, you will have to look elsewhere.

Saga Þjóðverja í 30 ríkulega myndskreyttum köflum. Hér tvinnast saman sagan og minjar hennar í safngripum, húsbyggingum og list. Fróðlegt og vel skrifað yfirlit frá sjónarhorni bresks safnstjóra.

I started this book before the 2015 British general election and finished it just after. It is an event which threatens to change british relations with Europe.

This book gave me a wonderfully lucid account of German history, and most pertinently, a simple linking of the past with the present german psyche.

Germany is not perfect, but I do like the grown up approach, the desire to learn lessons, not to take peace for granted and the need to respect other cultures and beliefs.

Highly recommended.

The madness of Brexit has made me want to understand more about our good European home before we act out our temper tantrum. I knew so little about Germany, with the British preoccupation about the Nazis leaving little room for anything else. This book helped me gain a greater understanding of Germany, and introduced much that is admirable. A simple approach of introducing an object, building, artwork or similar to discuss a different theme in each chapter was very effective. Just like A History of the World in a Hundred Objects, this was a history of Germany in 30.

I wish all countries would receive an amazing biography, just like this one. Neil MacGregor did an astonishing job in this book.

Anhand von Fotografien deutscher Artefakte durch die Geschichte deutsch sprechender Lande. Ein kurzweiliges Buch, dass natürlich nicht in die Tiefe gehen kann, aber überzeugt.

I learnt a lot from this book and the photos are fascinating.

Anyone who strives to 'understand' Germany should take the time to wander through this book. Like MacGregor, I remain bewildered by the historical positioning of its humanism and authoritarianism. Buchenwald lay in the woods where Goethe strolled. How could the great humanistic traditions of Germany have become perverted into unimaginable cruelty? MacGregor doesn't answer the question, but he does offer plenty of food for thought.

With fascinating detours to Luther, Gutenberg, Weimar and the rise (and fall) of the Holy Roman Empire the book balances the old and the new. The chapters on Friedrichstrasse Station, the Bauhaus, the Volkswagen Beetle, and the ebbs and flows of German art; it is hard to argue that there is a more appropriate method than the careful juxtaposition of singular objects with their surrounding history for conveying the complexities of Germany’s continuing journey away from a shameful past.

I really enjoyed this book, and it has given me an awful hankering to get back to Germany and explore it all again. Magnificent!

As an art historian, Neil MacGregor has a unique way of presenting the socio-cultural history of Germany in this book. Instead of following a chronological narrative, Neil demonstrates that there is no singular, linear way to recount Germany's history, unlike the more straightforward narratives of nation-states like France and Britain. Instead, Germany's history resembles a captivating mosaic, a rich tapestry intricately woven from the threads of countless states, princedoms, and regions, each with its distinctive identity. Prior to Germany's unification in 1871, it resembled a patchwork quilt of diversity, and Neil adeptly guides us through this labyrinthine history, allowing us to understand how it all coalesced to form a nation with a profound sense of identity.

A striking example of this historical fluidity is Königsberg, once the home of the eminent German philosopher Immanuel Kant, which now resides as Kaliningrad within Russian territory. These transformations underscore the dynamic nature of Germany's historical landscape. Similarly, the city of Strasbourg, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's preeminent writer, discovered the distinctiveness of his nation's art and history, is now nestled within the borders of France. These geographical shifts reflect the region's historical flux, where borders and identities have evolved over centuries.

Neil's approach in the book is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on objects and ideas, as well as the people and places that continue to resonate in modern Germany. By focusing on cultural touchstones such as Johannes Gutenberg's revolutionary printing press, the enchanting fairy tales immortalised by the Brothers Grimm, and the exquisite Meissen porcelain, Neil provides readers with a tangible and relatable entry point into the heart of Germany's historical identity. These cultural artefacts serve as conduits to explore the nation's heritage, revealing the enduring impact of these treasures on contemporary German society.

The journey commences at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a monument that has borne witness to the ebb and flow of German history. From there, Neil guides us through the nation's defining moments, triumphs, and darkest hours. He does not shy away from the weight of history, especially the burden of the Third Reich. Instead, he explores how Germans grapple with this painful legacy, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in the process of healing and remembrance.

In his book, Neil does not merely recount a story; he immerses us in the very essence of Germany. He reminds us that history is not simply a sequence of events; it is a living, breathing narrative that shapes a nation's identity. What sets this book apart is Neil's use of visual storytelling. He paints a vivid picture of Germany's past, present, and future through a carefully curated selection of images, photographs, and art objects. It is as if he invites us into a gallery where history comes alive through the brushstrokes of the past. Whether it's the haunting gaze of a medieval sculpture, the sombre stillness of a wartime photograph, or the vibrant colours of contemporary art, each piece speaks volumes about Germany's collective memory.