The Turbulent World of Franz Goll

This historical analysis of the remarkable diaries of Franz Goll, a working class German man who kept a detailed journal of his daily life, with political and social commentary, from 1916 until his death in 1984, provides a unique window into the impressions of a man with an eyewitness view to some of the most important events of the twentieth century. Fritzsche, (history, U. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) describes the Germany of Goll's life, expertly weaving the diarist's words into a larger discussion of the First and Second World Wars, changing social and sexual mores, the Cold War and the international influence of the United States. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)