The East German Handbook: VA

I visited the GDR twice, once in mid 1987 and again in early 1989. The circumstances surrounding the collapse of the GDR were unique. Not only did the ideology which spawned it disappear, but the entire country did the same! I think it’s easy to forget that there was far more to the GDR than the Berlin Wall and the ubiquitous, dreadful Stasi. Just as in the West, ordinary citizens of the GDR lived their daily in much the same way as folk anywhere else, holding down jobs, raising families, enjoying holidays and recreation etc, within the limitations that the ideology they lived under would permit. The East German Handbook is fascinating and in my opinion worth every penny. This is a quality book. Inside it’s a treasure trove of both informative text and copious illustrations, which really do show items that were a part of the minutiae of daily life for the masses of the GDR. It was once pointed out by a friend of mine who grew up in the GDR, that not absolutely everything there was intrinsically bad, but had no wish to see the resurrection of another GDR. I have many books on the GDR, but Justinian Jampol has produced one of the most fascinating and unique books on this subject and I’m very pleased to add it to my library. I’ve you've any interest in the Cold War era, or the GDR in particular, then this will appeal.

I can't praise enough this book. Huge, huge, huge number of products, posters, memorabilia, etc from East Germany.Each new chapter has an introduction so the following pages (photos) can be contextualized. Brilliant. These are small texts with very concised but factual and useful information.The cover is awesome. Not paperback not hardcover... It is some kind of fabric. Very nice feeling.If it was possible I would give it ten stars. If you are into memorabilia, vintage Soviet mood and want to know a little bit more about East Germany, from1945 to the 90s, you will love it.

There are many books on East Germany. This is perhaps unique in being a visual history. The text is secondary to a kaleidoscope of a vanished culture. Most of the emphasis is on everyday life, even down to the design of food tins and packaging. All those unimportant items that not convey a sense of a time and a place quite different from today. Great care has been taken and the result is often dazzling. It's also a weighty 816 pages, mostly printed in colour. A bargain for anyone interested in the GDR (German Democratic Republic).

... a fascinating insight into life 'behind the wall and escape preventing death strips'. It all looks so ordinary and, on the face of it, ideal ... which brings up the question: "Why did people want to escape this worker's paradise?" That question was never asked in the book ... maybe it is not the right place for it ... there are plenty of other publications that deal with that topic.Considering that the East German part of the divided nation had really no help to rebuild, in contrast to the Western side which received Marshall Plan investments (remember, if you wish to milk a cow you have to feed it first), one has to pay due respect to the immense efforts and co-operation required to rebuild a shattered country ... However, living in West Germany for the first 22 years of my life, I recall the relentless propaganda directed against us and the bullying and harassment of travelers trying to cross the border has not been forgotten. I am so pleased that it is all over now ☺

A superb book about a fairly recent now defunct country. Anyone at all interested in the GDR should purchase this.

This is an excellent book for those who want to be historically informed or those who like to reminisce. Superb quality and very well edited set of pictures and commentary.

Best price. Fantastic research material. Cheers

Brilliant, Anyone who is interested in the GDR and has some understanding of German will love this boom.