A mighty fortress

The term "German" was first used by the Romans in the mid-first century B.C. to describe tribes in the eastern Rhine valley. Today, the complexities of German history are often overshadowed by the horrors of World War II. Award-winning historian Steven Ozment offers a comprehensive portrait of the German people, exploring their history from antiquity to the present. His work examines Germany's tumultuous twentieth century alongside its earlier achievements as a prosperous and moral society, tracing a continuity that has persisted despite various challenges. Ozment’s narrative spans from the tribes of the Roman Empire to the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification, illustrating the Germans' desire for national unity, often hindered by alliances with autocratic governments and regional cultures. He highlights influential figures like Luther, Kant, Goethe, and Hitler, who have sought to transcend ordinary human limitations. Throughout history, Germans have shared a unique experience defined by external provocation and wounded pride, alongside a remarkable capacity for power. This scholarship captures the dual nature of a nation that is both ordered and chaotic, disciplined yet obsessive, proud yet uncertain, presenting a rich tapestry of German history as a reflection of humanity itself.