The Inverted Mirror: Mythologizing the Enemy in France and Germany, 1898-1914

by Michael Nolan

Overview

Nolan (Western Connecticut State U.) examines recurrent themes in the public presentation in France and Germany of the image of the enemy during the decade and a half before World War I. He finds that the qualities each country ascribed to its chief adversary were exaggerated or negative versions of precisely those quality that it felt to be lacking or inadequate in itself. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781571816696
Publisher:	Berghahn Books
Publication date:	11/01/2004
Series:	Studies in Contemporary European History , #2
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael Nolan received his Masters degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his doctorate from Brandeis University. He currently teaches at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1. Franco-German Relations, 1898–1914: A Sketch
Chapter 2. Hereditary Enemies? The Once and Future War
Chapter 3. Production and Reproduction: Economy, Fertility, and Consumption
Chapter 4. The Elusive Alsatian
Chapter 5. Shades of Opinion: The Political Spectrum

Conclusion

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"...a balanced and perceptive analysis...a superb monograph." - The Historian

"...an interesting political application of the psychological tendency to overlook our own weaknesses even as we attribute them to someone else...This work has obvious value as an introductory text for student historians of France and Germany; its study of cultural identities and national myths also makes it pertinent to young scholars interested in the workings of international affairs. Instructors of modern European history courses, or French or German civilization courses will find this volume to be valuable background reading." - French Review

"Michael Nolan's broad and deep learning, sharp thinking, and elegant style combine to make fresh and exciting reading out of what might have been thought to be a familiar tale of bygone mutual hostility between two peoples and cultures. He bears his erudition lightly, yet it blows through every portion of this fine work." - Rudolph Binion, Brandeis University

"This study shines by its elegance, erudition, and thoughtfulness ... It is a joy to read." - Paul Jankowski, Brandeis University

"The comprehensive study...is convincing not least because of its substantial sources." - Historische Zeitschrift

From the Publisher