Berlin - A walk through history

Walking through Berlin, Akhil Bakshi traces 800 years of the city’s tumultuous history from a marshy swamp to the majestic capital of the Prussian kings and, after unification of German states, the capital of a mighty nation itself. Berlin influenced international power politics of 20th century.  It was from Berlin the shots of both the world wars were called and from where the Iron Curtain descended setting the stage for the Cold War. With the demolition of the Berlin Wall by bare hands of a suppressed citizenry, a new world order began. In October 2012, the author walked into the dreamy city that had triggered nightmares around the world.

In its 800 years, Berlin has been adorned in gilded pomp and dignity accorded by progressive, far-sighted rulers – and has suffered the harshest tribulations of defeat imposed upon it by reckless leaders. Its face, kissed and gnawed over the ages, has always remained intensely human and, today, with darkness all around, glows cheerily – not in power and pride but in peace and fellowship. Berlin may still become the capital of the world, cementing friendship between all people and nations.

In a chatty style, stories are narrated of life in Berlin during rule of the Hohenzollerns,Weimar Republic, Third Reich, East German communists – and after the fall of the wall. Dramatic events that shaped the history of the city are deftly recounted. Berlin: A Walk through History is a gripping and entertaining portrait of the famed city.

With 30 illustrations.      

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