This book presents an essential segment of contemporary history that so far has not been explored systematically ... [It is] based on a wide variety of sources and highly informative ... The exhaustive treatment results in a far more differentiated picture than has predominated so far. * IWK
[The author] has succeeded in presenting a differentiated, rigorously argued and convincing study of the debates that have taken place in the academic and media worlds. * Archiv fur Sozialgeschichte
[The author's] lucid, well structured presentation offers non-German readers in particular a scholarly overview that still preserves the nuances of the subject. * German Studies Review
Curious observers of Germany's never-ending quarrel with its past will find much to ponder in Berger's assessments. * Journal of Interdisciplinary History
The author undoubtedly deserves a great deal of recognition ... The way in which he grasps all the diverse facets of his subject, yet pares his account down to the bare minimum is impressive. * Bulletin of the German Historical Institute London
There is much useful material here for a book on the role of historians and historical debates on the political culture of the Federal Republic during the years immediately before and after unification ... [it is] of great value. * Journal of Central European History
[The book] registers some important trends in recent historical debate, and does so with energy and insight. * Times Literary Supplement
A detailed and valuable research on an impressive range of recent historical writing. * Jewish Chronicle
... an invaluable guide to the political and ideological baggage carried by the standard works encountered by students on the library shelves. * Debatte. Review of Contemporary German Affairs