Along the Edge of the Forest: An Iron Curtain Journey

by Anthony Bailey

Genres: Nonfiction, History

332 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Anthony Bailey (born 1933) was a British non-fiction writer, and art historian.

He was evacuated to Dayton, Ohio, in 1940 during World War II. For many years he was a writer for the New Yorker magazine.

He died of corona virus in Colchester, Essex, which he contracted whilst in hospital for hip surgery after a fall at his home.

He lived in Mersea Island, near Colchester, Essex, with his wife Margot. They have four daughters: Liz, Annie, Katie and Rachel.

His obituary in the New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/26/bo...

Reviews

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book. A glimpse into a section of history that doesn’t exist anymore but that probably still has repercussions. It was interesting to read opinions about reunification especially since it officially occurred nine years later. I found some interesting comments on the music scene in east Germany which were born out in another book that I just. Read about three months ago surrounding the role that punk rock music had in bringing about the downfall of the east German government. It wasn’t the only factor of course but it took a very significant role cording to one author that I just read. It was interesting to read comments about east German youth listening to music in this book although he doesn’t go into the ideas that help spark The change.

I enjoy reading books about these two Germany’s even though they don’t exist because they are very significant occurrences. I would like to read more books about reunification and all that has happened since 1990 especially since I met a lady or a teenager rather who never experienced the division at least officially. Germany is always been a real interest with me because as I figured out a few days ago this is the part of the world that shook the 20th century to its core and still has repercussions today in lots of ways. So it’s interesting to see the development of the nation since World War II and just to see how many changes have happened and how far each country comes since that time. I will probably always be interested in it so I’ll just keep reading more and more books. I really did like this when it seemed authentic even though sometimes I wondered if some of the comments were pre-planned. I would have to explain that in more detail but I thank you’ll understand when you read it. Of all of the travel books that discuss the former communist countries along the border I think this is probably one of the best books I have read. It definitely seems dated though because reading it now you can definitely tell it was written in the 80s. That doesn’t discount it by any means. I would definitely recommend this book for a slice of history.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Travemunde', West Germany south to Trieste, Italy with a stint in East and West Berlin, the author takes us on a journey along the borders between East and Western Europe in the early 1980's.

This is a very good history lesson for those born after 1991 when "The Wall" of communism of Europe fell. For the rest of us, especially those whom served in the Armed Forces along the Borders of Europe, it is a good trip down memory lane as the author visits several British, American, French outpost as well as a few Russian, East German, Yugoslav an Romanian crossings and outposts.

[Elizabeth Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to get an idea of life along the east west border, the iron curtain, just a few short years before the wall came down. People thought it would last at least 100 years if not forever.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read about the Iron Curtain, written before the wall came down. Author traveled the length of the wall with poignant stories about people on both sides and how they coped. I learned alot about the iron curtain (never realizing that there was an actual iron curtain guarded over 800 miles!) Good read for History buffs who want to learn more about this era.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book on my bedside table and was slowing traveling along the grenze or border with the author. It seemed very much in the style of Paul Theroux—but without the trains and buses. He bumps into all kinds of people and tells their stories and the impact that the Iron Curtain had one them.