Transatlantic Images and Perceptions

These essays analyze how German and American views of each other developed and periodically shifted, providing a fresh analysis of the often complex German-American relationship. The images--found in travelogues, private letters, diaries, diplomatic reports, newspaper articles, and movies--that resulted from each encounter frequently reflected the contemporary relations, often foreshadowed future trends, and illustrate how political agendas, prejudices, stereotypes, and pragmatic forces influenced each society's perceptions.

"The 17 essays that make up this meaty volume...capture the discussion between German and US scholars on the perceptions and stereotypes that have characterized German-US interaction since the 18th century....They examine the credibility of a variety of sources....Excellent notes with each essay and a good index." -- Choice

"...this book makes for fine reading. The essays are meticulously researched, well written and mostly free of annoying and trendy jargon. Any scholar pouring through the footnotes alone could compile a comprehensive bibliography on any topic relating to the relationship between Germany and the United States. Obviously the book appeals to mostly scholars engaged in trans-national and/or comparative history. However, the diplomatic and intellectual historian as well as the student of popular culture can also find rewarding material in this volume." Werner H. Steger, American Studies International

"The seventeen essays in this volume, admirably edited by David Barclay and Elisabeth Glaser-Schmidt ably document the surge of interest in "transatlantic perception research"." Peter Bergmann, American Historical Review

"...an erudite reflection on American reactions to German reunification..." Frederik Ohles, German Studies Review