Product Details

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

This geographically oriented series for young adults, "Modern World Nations," is written from the perspective that world history and cultures are mainly influenced by geography rather than by famous people or battles. The authors describe Germany's northern plain with its Baltic coast, mountains in the south, and many rivers, as the source of its prosperity, but also the site of much environmental damage. Readers are rushed through the centuries from Charlemagne to the Napoleonic era with only a mention of the rise of Prussia. What follows is a brief, skewed account of industrialization and unification of the many German states in 1871 (the authors are eager to get on to the twentieth century). Chapters follow about demographics and immigration, the government, and the economy. Written in a pedestrian style, these chapters may try the patience of all but the most dedicated readers. Some statements are false or misleading—for example, the amazing assertion that Frankfurt and Hamburg are named for their meat products, and that Frederick the Great "chose" Berlin as Germany's capital (Berlin had been the residence of the Electors for centuries; Frederick's grandfather had already made Berlin the capital of Prussia; there was no "Germany" at the time). Germany is now a leading and prosperous member of the European Union and has finally made progress with unification. The authors believe that its future, though dependent on a strong global economy, is "filled with promise." More pictures and maps would be helpful (especially a map showing the Lander). Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft