Princes of the Trenches : Narrating the German Experience of the First World War

Examination of German literature of the First World War, its themes and underlying vision, and examination of how it differs from the English view of the Great War.

This book is a long overdue study of German First World War literature, providing an alternative view for English speakers. In addition to the major themes of purposeless suffering, disillusionment, and irreparable loss, Ann Linder's systematic reading of German war narratives yields a different set of themes and a different manner of expression. She argues that most present a conservative vision, one rooted in the strong comradeship of Front soldiers andin their conviction that the experience, and indeed the war itself, however terrible, had personal and historical significance for the participants and their nation. This vision, originating in the romantic nationalism of nineteenth-century German thought, profoundly influenced German attitudes in the last years of the Weimar republic.

'Will be especially useful to undergraduates in German studies courses.' INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MODERNISM'(An) outstanding book, reveals excellent knowledge of the secondary literature.' GERMANISTIK 'A well-written, -researched, and -documented work which confronts the reader with significant new insights.' SOUTHERN HUMANITIES REVIEW 'Sheds new light on the German war literature and brings into sharp relief ethical and political dimensions that have not always been noticed.' MONATSHEFTE