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22nd out of 165 books
—
69 voters
The Ghosts of Berlin: Confronting German History in the Urban Landscape
by
Brian Ladd
In this compelling work, Brian Ladd examines the ongoing conflicts radiating from the remarkable fusion of architecture, history, and national identity in Berlin. Ladd surveys the urban landscape, excavating its ruins, contemplating its buildings and memorials, and carefully deconstructing the public debates and political controversies emerging from its past.
"Written in a...more
"Written in a...more
Paperback, 282 pages
Published
November 15th 1998
by University Of Chicago Press
(first published 1997)
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What kind of Berlin can there be after the Holocaust and the Wall? The answer is more than complicated. The city's visitors feel like archeologists, digging for the layers under every building, every street name. Because the book focuses on the physical city, I'm guessing that it would feel too abstract for someone who had never visited. But for me it was a revelation, supplying details about the sights I have seen and leading me to new ones.
For example, there is the large office building on Wil...more
For example, there is the large office building on Wil...more
In this compelling work, Brian Ladd examines the ongoing conflicts radiating from the remarkable fusion of architecture, history, and national identity in Berlin. Ladd surveys the urban landscape, excavating its ruins, contemplating its buildings and memorials, and carefully deconstructing the public debates and political controversies emerging from its past.
"Written in a clear and elegant style, The Ghosts of Berlin is not just another colorless architectural history of the German capital. . ....more
"Written in a clear and elegant style, The Ghosts of Berlin is not just another colorless architectural history of the German capital. . ....more
I am enjoying this book so much, I love the architecture of Berlin, what is here and what is missing. This book is from around 1995. It is an amazing period when they are removing the wall and looking at the area that has been for thirty years no mans land, but is now the center of the new capital of reunified Germany. Amongst these ruins are palaces, churches, synagogues, parlimentary headquarters, interrogations cells, secret service buildings, antifascist squats, prison camps, large stretches...more
This book offers pretty much everything you want in a walking tour of a city (history and architecture, anecdotes and themes), apart from the thousand photographs you wish were in here. But mainly it's an analysis of issues of memory and politics and the German psyche in general, and how it affects (and is reflected in) the landscape of the city. Understandably, there basically isn't a brick in town that doesn't associate with it some measure of guilt and mourning. I bought this book because I'm...more
Despite the rating, this is a mist read if you plan to visit Berlin. While the information is excellent, unfortunatley the writing is not.
In spite of the circular writing, i found the rich history of the city of Berlin to be incredibly fascinating and truly helps you understand the culture of Berlin and Germany as a whole with respect to the events of the 20th century.
The author provides plenty of anecdotal information that can be easily compiled as a guidebook for those interested in digging...more
In spite of the circular writing, i found the rich history of the city of Berlin to be incredibly fascinating and truly helps you understand the culture of Berlin and Germany as a whole with respect to the events of the 20th century.
The author provides plenty of anecdotal information that can be easily compiled as a guidebook for those interested in digging...more
In urban landscapes, sites often have multiple histories. How do we determine which histories are to be remembered and which are to be forgotten? Moreover, how do these choices impact the citizens who engage with urban sites on a daily basis? Brian Ladd’s book is a fruitful meditation on these questions. Ladd recounts the histories of several of Berlin’s high-profile public sites from the medieval period through reunification. While each site has a unique trajectory and ultimate fate, what shine...more
A really interesting public history of Berlin. Berlin has such a unique history as the center of so many globally significant events, both positive and negative, that how they have preserved and written their identity is a fascinating case study of public history. Well written and engaging, a good read for anyone interested in public history.
Sep 29, 2009
John
added it
A little dated now, and I would have loved to see it go deeper into neighborhoods instead of focusing on the mostly obvious, but still an excellent look at the history and controversy of many of the buildings and other structures we pass every day in Berlin.
I just returned from my first visit to Berlin, and this book allowed me to truly appreciate the architecture in this beautiful city. The author walks you through the history of Berlin by examining its buildings and monuments, and explains how these structures are a manifestation of the "identity crisis" the city suffers as its inhabitants struggle to come to terms with its violent past. Highly recommended for lovers of history, architecture, and/or travel!
This is a really important book for those interested in how cities come to be as expressions of history, worldview, ideology...
May 18, 2009
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
sounds like this is one everyone would find interesting, not just urban planners. especially those who have been to Berlin.
A tad dry for my non-architecturally focused mind.
Glorious.
This book was a really interesting complement to what I already know about Germany and German culture. Just today, there was a news article on a controversy about tearing down an apartment building. Even more than 10 years after it was published, this book is still very relevant. I only wish it would be translated into German, as I have some friends who would be interested, but don't read English on a high level.
Nice walk through Berlin
The tone this book wa written in was engaging, and got me very interested in the subject. The author establishes the uniqueness of Berlin as a city, and sets up the "mystery" element very well for a non-fiction academic book.
I felt that this was a fluid read, and definitely one of the better course reads I have had in the Intl. Relations major.
I felt that this was a fluid read, and definitely one of the better course reads I have had in the Intl. Relations major.
Great book - would have given it 4 stars if I was anything resembling an architect or civil engineer, however I read it merely for the purposes of a curious traveler. I learned so much about Berlin's unique history from this book which I anticipate will enhance a planned visit to the city immensely.
Interesting take on architecture in German history, and what buildings, sculptures and the like can tell us about the past and its legacies in the present. The image of the wrapped Reichstag is still one of the most surreal pictures I've ever seen.
Well presented exploration of a tricky history
Not really about the "ghosts" of Berlin, but an interesting look at important buildings and streets and how Berlin's landscape has changed and been changed.
My dad gave me this remainder after I became obsessed with Berlin in college. It really explains all the weird stuff you see in this amazing city.
not bad, but Koshar's "Germany's Transient Pasts" is a better academic treatment of a similar topic.
A bit dated, but very enlightening. And entertaining, too.
May 12, 2013
Desiree Alaniz
is currently reading it
May 08, 2013
John Anderson
is currently reading it
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