Imagined Germany (German Life and Civilization) [Hardcover]

Hannu Salmi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0820444162 | ISBN-13: 978-0820444161

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) has often been regarded as a symbol of "Germanness." Despite this view, few studies have been undertaken regarding his nationalistic thinking. Imagined Germany focuses on Wagner's idea of Deutschtum, especially during the unification of Germany, 1864-1871. Salmi discusses how Wagner defined Germanness, what stereotypes, ideas, and sentiments he attached to it, and what kind of state could realize Wagner's natural ideals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Salmi lays forever to rest the myth, propagated by some of Wagner's older apologists and by many of his more recent critics, that there existed a communality of interests between Wagner and Bismarck, as well as between the new 'Reich' and the Wagnerian cultural enterprise. Salmi shows, more clearly than anyone has done thus far, how Wagner at first styled himself as the 'most German of Germans' only to realize, in the end, that he had been crucified 'am Kreuz des deutschen Gedankens'." -- Hans Rudolf Vaget, Smith College

"Salmi makes an important contribution to our understanding of one of the most fascinating artistic figures in German politics and culture, particularly his political role." -- Michael Meyer, California State University, Northridge

Product Details

• Hardcover: 229 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820444162
• ISBN-13: 978-0820444161
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,858,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hannu Salmi was born in Turku, Finland, in 1961. He is a cultural historian of the nineteenth century, and has also written on the history of film and popular culture.