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The German Genius

Europe's Third Renaissance, the Second Scientific Revolution and the Twentieth Century

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The German Genius

By: Peter Watson
Narrated by: Richard Attlee
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About this listen

 From the end of the Baroque age and the death of Bach in 1750 to the rise of Hitler in 1933, Germany was transformed from a poor relation among western nations into a dominant intellectual and cultural force more influential than France, Britain, Italy, Holland, and the United States. In the early decades of the 20th century, German artists, writers, philosophers, scientists, and engineers were leading their freshly-unified country to new and undreamed of heights, and by 1933, they had won more Nobel prizes than anyone else and more than the British and Americans combined. But this genius was cut down in its prime with the rise and subsequent fall of Adolf Hitler and his fascist Third Reich-a legacy of evil that has overshadowed the nation's contributions ever since.

Yet how did the Germans achieve their pre-eminence beginning in the mid-18th century? In this fascinating cultural history, Peter Watson goes back through time to explore the origins of the German genius, how it flourished and shaped our lives, and, most importantly, to reveal how it continues to shape our world. As he convincingly demonstarates, while we may hold other European cultures in higher esteem, it was German thinking-from Bach to Nietzsche to Freud-that actually shaped modern America and Britain in ways that resonate today.©2010 Peter Watson (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK Civilisation Emigration & Immigration Germany

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Vastly well researched, Perfectly presented

Incredibly detailed story about a society developing by education, ingenuity and willpower. Most surprisingly never boring due to its unique structure. And great value compared to the printed version.

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Very interesting and informative

The content is well written, interesting and especially well delivered. Recommend for the general reader of overall history

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Deep thought

An amazing and enlightening no holds barred journey through 400 years of history, thought, art and achievement of Germans and Germany. Fascinating from beginning to end.

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