Germany [Large Print] [Paperback]

_Germany_ in The Story of the Nations series first written in 1886 by S. Baring-Gould is a fascinating account of the history of the German nation as it developed from the earliest tribes to the German empire at the time of the beginning of the Twentieth century. Sabine Baring-Gould, the author, was a fascinating and eccentric character who wrote on lore and legend, medieval folklore, and the werewolf myth. Baring-Gould was a member of the Anglican clergy and is perhaps most famous for writing the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers". This book shows his learning and profound understanding of the history of the German nation as seen from the eyes of an Englishman. While Baring-Gould notes that Germany is the heart of Continental Europe, he also expresses his belief that the English constitute another branch of the Teutonic family and thus the history of Germany will be of special interest to them having the "additional charm that it is the history of our [the British] blood-relations". As an Englishman, Baring-Gould writes, "We stood with their [the Germans] Hermann, as he said to the Roman Varus "No farther!" just as we stood with the barons before King John on the field of Runnymede". This book details the various conflicts that have made up the German nation - as it rose from primitive Teutonic paganism to Christianity. In particular, following the Reformation, Germany has become a land of two faiths and the religious wars that have sprung from it among fellow Christians have divided the nation. In addition to showing the great learning of the author, this book also includes several fascinating maps, drawings, and photographs of famous figures and heroes which provide an excellent view of German history.

Baring-Gould begins his discussion of the German nation by discussing the earliest Germanic tribes (barbarians who invaded Northern Italy). These included the Teutones and the Cimbri, precursors of the Deutsch and Kelts, who worshipped their god Wuotan (or Wotan). Baring-Gould discusses the division of Germany into Upper and Lower Germany and the earliest beliefs and customs of these primitive peoples. Next, Baring-Gould turns his attention to the conflict between Hermann and the Romans, led by Caesar and the general Varus. Baring-Gould also discusses the Huns, known for their fierceness, and led by the dreaded Atilla, "the Scourge of God". Next, Baring-Gould discusses the migrations of the Germanic tribes, including the Allemanni, the Franks, the Saxons, and the Goths. Baring-Gould also discusses Clovis, the King of the Franks, who embraced Christ after his wife Clothild, a Christian, bore him a son. Baring-Gould also discusses the importance of the Gospel in the conversions of the Germanic tribes from paganism to Christianity. In particular, it should be noted that Celtic monks served as missionaries to the Germanic tribes and sought out to convert them to the truth of Christ. Baring-Gould next turns his attention to Charlemagne and the rise of the Holy Roman Empire. It was believed that Christ had bequeathed two swords to the pope - one of temporal and one of spiritual power; however the pope had opted to give his temporal power to the emperor Charles the Great. The son of Charles the Great was Louis, a king "pious but narrow". Baring-Gould next turns his attention to Henry the Fowler, also known as "the City Builder", who sought to protect Germany from Hungarian invasions and Otto I the Great, his son. Baring-Gould turns to further intrigues of such kings as Henry V, and the battle against the Saracens and the Crusades. He also mentions the conflict in Italy between Guelf (named after Welf) and Ghibelline (named after Waiblinger). Baring-Gould next mentions Frederick I or Barbarossa, perhaps the greatest and strongest of the German emperors after Charles the Great. Following this he mentions Henry VI, a cruel king who was put under ban. Baring-Gould also mentions the robber knights, knights who stole from the people, and the Germanic romances, mentioning such classics as the Niebelungenlied. Baring-Gould also mentions the Hanseatic league and the rise of the cities and the merchants. Baring-Gould also tells the story of William Tell, the medieval archer believed to have shot an apple off the head of his son with an arrow. Baring-Gould also mentions the Golden Bull and the trials of Jan Hus, an early heretic who provided inspiration for the later Reformation and the religious wars which ensued. Baring-Gould discusses several other kings and then turns his attention to Gutenberg who invented the first printing press, noting the importance of this invention. Following this, Baring-Gould discusses Luther, the selling of indulgences and the conflict over justification by faith, which resulted in the Reformation and the subsequent schism in the churches. This conflict was to play a deep role in the formation of the German nation. Baring-Gould also mentions the distinction between High German and Low, noting the fact that Luther wrote in High German. Baring-Gould also mentions the emperor Charles V, grandson of Maximilian I, and the subsequent peasant revolt. Following various religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics and the Augsburg confession, a Thirty Years War (1618-1648) was fought over religion. In particular, the role of the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus is mentioned and the conclusion of war at the Peace of Westphalia. Following this Baring-Gould mentions the period of rococo and the subsequent developments among the European nobility. Baring-Gould also mentions the achievements of Germany in literature, philosophy, and music, mentioning such individuals as Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Kant, Beethoven, and Mozart. Next, Baring-Gould turns his attention to the French revolution and the subsequent conflicts that developed from it. Furthermore, Baring-Gould notes the role of Napoleon I, as emperor, and his conflict with the Germans. Baring-Gould also discusses Napoleon III and the continuing battles between Germany and France in the Franco-Prussian war. Baring-Gould ends with a discussion of the German empire and unified Germany since 1871, noting the role of colonialization. Baring-Gould finally notes the importance of Karl Marx and the early socialists in the ensuing political struggle between capitalists and labor.

This book provides a fascinating history of Germany, emphasizing the role of monarchs and key battles in that history up until the beginning of the Twentieth century. While the horrors of that ensuing century could not have been known to Baring-Gould, the previous history of Germany and its achievement of greatness is highlighted by him in full.

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