The name Weimar is most familiar to me as the place associated with the birth of the first German Republic following World War I. A metaphor ever since for troubled economic and political times; but also a name associated with forward-looking modernist movements particularly with regard to the arts and culture. For me, cities such as Berlin and Munich were always much more associated with the rise of the Nazis, but this book offers a new perspective; one from Weimar. In addition to the major events happening throughout Germany and the world, we get to appreciate and understand how the people of Weimar participated in such rapidly changing times. What they thought and how they responded. Real-time observations, commentary and reflections from ordinary and sometimes extraordinary people. A fascinating book that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that has made me more thoughtful and curious about those times and certainly much better informed. I look forward to learning more and perhaps visiting Weimar one day. The author recounts events chronologically from the end of World War I to the beginning of World War II. The book is divided into five Parts, each covering several years and major themes. An Epilogue is included and the lives of several key individuals are described in the post-war years as Germany is divided into East and West. Beyond the politics and economics, numerous other aspects of life are addressed including culture, the arts and social changes. There are moving testimonies from real people throughout the book; people living through difficult times. Memorable and often poignant moments are recounted, particularly in the Epilogue. Although the Weimar Republic has been the subject of many books, the author use of public and most importantly, much private archival material. This adds to the a fresh, direct and compelling perspective. The private outlook of both ordinary as well as higher profile residents of Weimar are revealed. The letters, diaries and other material captures private thoughts, feelings, hope and fears. Newly-available material adds a particularly intimate perspective of one particular family at the heart of Weimar. As well as ordinary residents of Weimar, who are probably not widely known, there are more famous names associated in one way or another with the inter-war years. The sister of the deceased writer Friedrich Nietzsche is a prominent voice throughout the book. A complex character, with something of a dodgy past in South America. She is determined to preserve and protect her brother’s legacy. She is a not-entirely sympathetic character. The author is honest in her portrayal of this woman as well as the other key people of Weimar. Some appear to be opportunistic, taking advantage of the circumstances in which they find themselves. Others are ambivalent to the changes while many embraced the situations imposed upon them. Some rebel and actively resist what they view as wrong. The mix of private and public material, formal and informal is a compelling way of presenting these individuals, their lives, choices, actions and outcomes. For the most part, the participants in this book are treated fairly and appropriately. People’s reactions are often understandable, given the circumstances. Although the more extreme, violent and unsavoury characters are rightly treated with some scorn and distaste. I found it interesting that numerous high-ranking Nazis, including Hitler, had or developed a close relationship to Weimar. In fact Weimar emerges as, if not the birthplace of Nazism, then certainly a place that nurtured the movement. A reader may wonder if there was something intrinsic to Weimar, perhaps the demographics or the history, that caused the city to lean in a certain political direction. The author cites numerous local and national election results that indicate the residents of Weimar and the surrounding state of Thuringia embraced or at least tolerated Nazism. It is a continuous thread throughout the book that this city, geographically and politically in the centre of Germany, played such a key role in events that occurred during the inter-war years. But it is not only the politics that is explored. Weimar was and still is a city of culture. Perhaps the very centre of German art and literature. Goethe, Schiller, Wagner as well as Nietzsche all have a close connection to Weimar. The appropriation of this cultural legacy by competing political movements is another theme explored. Certain institutions and individuals thrived due to their connections with the rise of the Nazis. I thought the author presented the economic problems of the Weimar Republic in a clear and concise way; successfully addressing numerous complicated issues. Conflicts between the victor allies are discussed, particularly with regard to the timing and extent of reparations. The inevitable economic trauma is presented as somewhat unnecessary, almost malevolent. Of course the global Depression of the 1930s also contributes to Germany’s problems and does not go unnoticed in Weimar. In a similar manner, the author presents the multiple political parties, groupings and movements emerging in Weimar and across Germany after World War I. Numerous coalitions and political machinations are required to form any sort of government, none of which have much longevity. A good example of the authors style, is the following, related to the creation of a new German constitution in Weimar: “…the National Assembly made progress on drafting the new German Constitution and remained blissfully ignorant of the peace treaty conditions that were being negotiated without their input…” The author observes: …it was a momentous occasion: the first German republic in history, the first full German democracy…Out of the ashes of the German Empire rose the Weimar Republic” And dryly notes: ”The mood in Weimar was distinctly subdued” The author provides numerous cameos to the historical narrative. Almost side-stories, but nevertheless adding colour and richness to the Weimar landscape. Thomas Mann’s relationship is presented, as is that of a young Marlene Dietrich. Also Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus movement. The Bauhaus story, while not perhaps central to the books theme, is certainly an example of the times. Conservative voices showed intolerance towards talented individuals and in this case an entire movement which is ultimately forced out of Weimar. Something that seemed to be accepted by residents without too much anguish. The reader will naturally feel sympathy with many of the key characters the author follows over the years. People traumatised in one way or another by World War I; working and hoping and for a better future. Young families with little interest in politics. Jewish families and those associated with other persecuted groups. The author recounts the fate of these people who the reader will come to know well; their private and public lives. Respected, well-liked residents, building their careers and families, hoping for something better. Inevitably sadness and harsh injustice comes to many of these people. The author treats these lives with care and sensitivity. I hope readers will enjoy this book as much as I have. I hope they will understand and appreciate the private and authentic perspectives from those who were there, living through momentous times, in the centre of Germany. Weimar may conjure up a different picture in people’s minds after reading this book. A place of history and culture, but also a place with a darker past, a place central to the rise of Nazism. A place of ordinary and extraordinary individuals experiencing difficult times in different ways. Some who remain particularly memorable long after the book is finished. I wish the author and publishers great success with this important book. A book rooted in the past, relevant to today and to the future. I hope it is reaches a wide audience. Post Script. I believe the author writes in English; however I assume much of the archive material was written in German and translated. This process seems to have worked extremely well. Extracts and quotations seem to capture an appropriate tone, emotion, and nuance. The translation is largely transparent and unobtrusive. Translation is something of an art rather than a mechanical process; the author and editor can be proud of what they have accomplished in writing this book.