Perhaps most impressive of all is Prague Castle, a vast fortified bastion, built around the soaring High Gothic Cathedral of St Vitus and embracing not only the Royal Palaces but also several mansions of the Bohemian and Austrian nobility.

Czech, German, and Noble examines the intellectual ideas and political challenges that inspired patriotic activity among the Bohemian nobility, the infusion of national identity into public and institutional life, and the role of the nobility in crafting and supporting the national ideal within Habsburg Bohemia. Patriotic aristocrats created the visible and public institutional framework that cultivated national sentiment and provided the national movement with a degree of intellectual and social legitimacy. The book argues that the mutating identity of the aristocracy was tied both to insecurity and to a belief in the power of science to address social problems, commitment to the ideals of enlightenment as well as individual and social improvement, and profound confidence that progress was inevitable and that intellectual achievement would save society. The aristocrats who helped create, endow and nationalize institutions were a critical component of the public sphere and necessary for the nationalization of public life overall. The book explores the myriad reasons for aristocratic participation in new or nationalized institutions, the fundamental changes in legal and social status, new ideas about civic responsibility and political participation, and the hope of reform and fear of revolution. The book examines the sociability within and creation of nascent national institutions that incorporated fundamentally new ways of thinking about community, culture, competition, and status. The argument, that class mattered to the degree that it was irrelevant, intersects with several important historical questions beyond theories of nationalism, including debates about modernization and the longevity of aristocratic power, the nature of the public sphere and class, and the measurable impact of science and intellectual movements on social and political life.

Discover the rich history and culture of some of the world¿s most influential historical places with these highly illustrated books, packed with informative and enlightening descriptions and information

A sweeping yet intimate narrative about the last hundred years of turbulent European history, as seen through one of Mitteleuropa’s greatest houses—and the lives of its occupants When Norman Eisen moved into the US ambassador’s residence in Prague, returning to the land his mother had fled after the Holocaust, he was startled to discover swastikas hidden beneath the furniture in his new home. These symbols of Nazi Germany were remnants of the residence’s forgotten history, and evidence that we never live far from the past. From that discovery unspooled the twisting, captivating tale of four of the remarkable people who had called this palace home. Their story is Europe’s, and The Last Palace chronicles the upheavals that transformed the continent over the past century. There was the optimistic Jewish financial baron, Otto Petschek, who built the palace after World War I as a statement of his faith in democracy, only to have that faith shattered; Rudolf Toussaint, the cultured, compromised German general who occupied the palace during World War II, ultimately putting his life at risk to save the house and Prague itself from destruction; Laurence Steinhardt, the first postwar US ambassador whose quixotic struggle to keep the palace out of Communist hands was paired with his pitched efforts to rescue the country from Soviet domination; and Shirley Temple Black, an eyewitness to the crushing of the 1968 Prague Spring by Soviet tanks, who determined to return to Prague and help end totalitarianism—and did just that as US ambassador in 1989. Weaving in the life of Eisen’s own mother to demonstrate how those without power and privilege moved through history, The Last Palace tells the dramatic and surprisingly cyclical tale of the triumph of liberal democracy.

The dramatic story of a last-ditch attempt to avert catastrophe in Europe, on the eve of the Second World War.

German architecture prior to the modern period has received less systemic, analytical study than that of Italy, France, and Britain. Scholarly discussion of broad traditions or continuities within Germanic or Central European façade design is even sparser. Baroque era studies of the region mostly devote themselves to isolated architects, monuments, or movements. Modernism's advent decisively changed this: Germanic architecture enjoyed sudden ascendancy. Yet, even so, study specifically of that region's façades still lagged – nothing compares to the dozens of treatments of Le Corbusier's façade systems, for example, and how these juxtapose with French neoclassical or Italian Renaissance methods. Given the paucity of multi-period studies, one can be forgiven for believing Germany's effervescence of radical, modern works seems unprecedented. This book takes up these multiple quandaries. It identifies and documents a previously unrecognized compositional tradition - characterized here as the 'screen façade' – and posits it as a counter-narrative critiquing the essentialist, 'authentic' canon currently dominant in Western architectural history. By crossing evenly over the dividing line between the historical and modern periods, it offers valuable insights on indigenous roots underlying some aspects of Germany's invigorating early twentieth-century architectural developments. The book chronologically examines 400 years of closely related facades, concentrated in Germany but also found in Austria, the Czech Republic, German-speaking Switzerland, and nearby areas of Central Europe. While nearly 75 buildings are mentioned and illustrated, a dozen are given extensive analysis and the book focuses on the works of three architects – Schinkel, Behrens and Mies. Relationships between examples of these three architects' façades far transcend mere homage amongst masters. Glimmers of the system they eventually codify are apparent as early as at Heidelberg Castle in 1559 and Nürnberg's Rathaus in 1622. The book argues that in Germany, northern Gothic affinities for bisection, intense repetition and rote aggregation intersected with southern Classical affinities for symmetry, hierarchy and centrality, thereby spawning a unique hybrid product – the screen. Instead of graphic formality, this study is guided by on-site perceptions, propositional contrasts, means of approach, interpretive conflicts and emotion and it relates the design of these façades to concepts proposed by contemporary philosophers including Novalis, Hegel, Nietzsche, Freud, Adorno, and, most importantly, Gadamer on hermeneutics.

Delve into the Historical Landmark of Justice with "Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal" Immerse yourself in the pivotal moments of history with "Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal, Nuremberg, 14 November 1945-1 October 1946, Volume 17". This comprehensive volume, penned by various contributors, captures the essence of one of the most significant judicial proceedings of the 20th century. Join the journey through the Nuremberg Trials, where major war criminals faced justice for their actions during World War II. This volume meticulously documents the proceedings, providing readers with a detailed account of the legal, moral, and historical implications of the trials. The text offers an in-depth look at the charges, defenses, and verdicts that shaped the post-war world and established a precedent for international law. The book explores critical themes such as justice, accountability, and the rule of law, shedding light on the complexities of prosecuting crimes against humanity. Through vivid narratives and extensive documentation, readers are introduced to the key figures involved, from prosecutors to defendants, and the monumental challenges they faced in the pursuit of justice. With its thorough character analysis, the volume brings to life the personalities and motivations of both the accused and those who sought to hold them accountable. The somber tone of the proceedings is punctuated by moments of intense drama and profound reflection, offering readers a balanced perspective on the trials' impact on global justice. Since its publication, "Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal" has been lauded for its meticulous research and comprehensive coverage. It stands as an essential resource for historians, legal scholars, and anyone interested in the pursuit of justice and the lessons of history. As you delve into this monumental work, you will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of international law and the enduring quest for justice in the face of atrocity. The book's detailed accounts and critical insights make it a compelling read for those seeking to comprehend the full scope of the Nuremberg Trials and their lasting legacy. In conclusion, "Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal" is more than just a historical record—it is a testament to the resilience of justice and the enduring importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Whether you are a student of history or a seeker of justice, this volume offers invaluable insights and a profound reflection on one of history's most significant legal battles. Don't miss your opportunity to explore the detailed proceedings of the Nuremberg Trials. Let "Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal" guide you through the complexities of international justice and the quest for accountability. Secure your copy now and join the ranks of readers who have been profoundly impacted by this landmark work.