The Search for Normality: National Identity and Historical Consciousness in Germany Since 1800

by Stefan Berger

The Historikerstreit of the 1980s has ended inconclusively amidst heated debates on the nature and course of German national history. The author follows the debates beyond the unexpected reunification of the country in 1990 and analyzes the most recent trends in German historiography. Reunification, he observes, has brought in its wake an urgent search for the "normality" of the nation state. For anyone interested in the development of the national master narrative in more recent German historiography, this book will provide an essential guide through the multitude of historical debates surrounding the nation state.

336 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Stefan Berger is a Professor of Social History at the Ruhr University Bochum. He specializes in nationalism and national identity studies, historiography and historical theory, comparative labour studies, and the history of industrial heritage.

Reviews

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this rather controversial book Berger posits that the 1990s have seen the resurgence of a German nationalist historiography which typified the work of the early twentieth century and was partly responsible for National Socialism. I think he is being rather dramatic and selective with his sources- German academia seems far less nationalist than that of other states, and continues to come to terms with the problematic past even after reunification. Having said that, the book does provide a useful overview of post-45 German historiography, especially works from the GDR.

[Austin Scott Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has some interesting ideas, but it was a bit difficult to follow at times. The writing feels quite academic, and some parts are slow. However, it still offers useful insights if you are interested in nationalism and modern history. It's not an easy read, but it can be informative for the right audience.