The book offers a concise yet richly detailed exploration of German history, spanning from Roman times to the present. It emphasizes the last three centuries, providing readers with an engaging narrative that highlights significant events and developments in Germany's past.
Focusing on the Kingdom of Westphalia, this book delves into Napoleon's ambitious attempt to create a model state that ultimately failed within six years. Sam Mustafa meticulously examines the historical context and events surrounding this unique experiment during the Napoleonic Wars, offering insights into its promise and subsequent collapse. The narrative presents a thorough analysis of the political and social dynamics at play, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of this intriguing period in history.
This unique book tells the remarkable story of Ferdinand von Schill, the Prussian major who led a failed revolt against Napoleon. After his death in 1809 Schill became a ubiquitous figure of German nationalism, a symbolic hero used by monarchists, Liberal Democrats, Nazis, and Communists alike, each for their own ends. Using the narrative of Schill's famous "ride," Sam A. Mustafa guides readers through the radical changes in German society and politics in the past two centuries. In the process, he considers the nature of patriotism, the creation of heroes and heroic mythology, and the fragility of history itself in a masterful narrative that will be an invaluable reference for anyone interested in the German experience during the Napoleonic Wars.