eBooks de Historia Universal, página 14 de 648

The Age of Charlemagne by George James is a sweeping historical account of one of the most influential rulers of medieval Europe. Published by Perennial Press, this book explores the life, conquests, and enduring legacy of Charlemagne, the warrior-king who united much of Western Europe and laid the foundations for the Holy Roman Empire. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, James paints a vivid portrait of an era marked by military expansion, political reform, and a cultural revival that shaped the course of European history. James delves into Charlemagnes military campaigns, his consolidation of power over the Franks and Lombards, and his historic coronation as Emperor in 800 AD. More than just a conqueror, Charlemagne emerges as a visionary leader who reformed governance, strengthened education, and fostered what became known as the Carolingian Renaissancea revival of learning, art, and scholarship that had a profound and lasting impact. The book also examines the complexities of his rule, from his relationships with the papacy and the nobility to the challenges of maintaining unity in a vast and diverse empire. With its rich historical detail and insightful analysis, The Age of Charlemagne offers a compelling look at a ruler whose influence is still felt today. George James brings to life the political intrigue, cultural achievements, and military strategies that defined Charlemagnes reign, making this book an essential read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the shaping of medieval Europe.

The Age of Bismarck by Thomas Henry Dyer is a compelling exploration of one of the most transformative periods in European history, chronicling the rise of Otto von Bismarck and his role in unifying Germany. Published by Perennial Press, this meticulously researched work delves into the political strategies, diplomatic maneuvering, and military campaigns that shaped the German Empire and altered the balance of power in Europe. Dyer paints a vivid portrait of Bismarck as a master statesman, tracing his early career, his role in the wars of German unification, and his leadership as Chancellor of the newly formed empire. From his deft manipulation of rival nations to his ability to balance diplomacy with military force, Bismarcks influence reshaped not only Germany but also the broader geopolitical landscape of the 19th century. The book explores key events such as the Austro-Prussian War, the Franco-Prussian War, and the complex alliances that defined his Realpolitik approach to governance. With a keen eye for historical detail and a clear, engaging narrative, The Age of Bismarck provides an essential understanding of the man who forged modern Germany. Thomas Henry Dyers insightful analysis makes this a must-read for history enthusiasts, students of political strategy, and anyone interested in the figures and events that shaped Europes past and continue to influence its present.

Hero Tales from History by Smith Burnham is a stirring collection of stories that bring to life the courage, determination, and brilliance of some of historys most remarkable figures. Published by Perennial Press, this engaging volume captures the defining moments of leaders, explorers, inventors, and revolutionaries who shaped the world through their actions and ideas. Written with clarity and vivid storytelling, these tales offer both entertainment and insight into the qualities that make a hero. From the battlefields of ancient empires to groundbreaking discoveries that changed civilization, Burnham highlights the struggles and triumphs of figures like George Washington, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln. Each story immerses readers in the challenges these individuals faced, revealing their perseverance and the lasting impact of their achievements. Whether overcoming adversity, leading nations, or pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, the characters in these pages embody resilience and vision. More than just a collection of historical sketches, Hero Tales from History serves as a tribute to the individuals who dared to change the course of history. Smith Burnhams engaging narrative style ensures that these legendary figures continue to inspire and educate, making their stories as relevant today as they were in their own time.

Gustavus Adolphus and the Struggle for Power During the Protestant Reformation by Charles Fletcher is a compelling exploration of one of Europes most influential military leaders and statesmen. Published by Perennial Press, this book examines the life and campaigns of Gustavus Adolphus, the Swedish king whose bold leadership and battlefield innovations turned the tide of the Thirty Years War and reshaped the balance of power in Europe. Fletcher vividly recounts Gustavus Adolphuss rise to power, his military genius, and his role as a champion of Protestantism during one of the most turbulent periods in European history. From his strategic victories at Breitenfeld and Lutzen to his lasting impact on modern warfare, the book captures both the brilliance and the complexities of a ruler who sought not only military dominance but also political and religious stability. Through detailed analysis, it explores how his reforms in tactics, logistics, and governance influenced the course of European history long after his death. Blending historical insight with engaging narrative, Gustavus Adolphus and the Struggle for Power During the Protestant Reformation offers a deep dive into the life of a monarch who changed the fate of nations. Charles Fletchers account provides both an authoritative study of Gustavus Adolphuss legacy and a broader understanding of the eras conflicts, making it essential reading for those interested in military history, the Protestant Reformation, and the political struggles that shaped early modern Europe.

In Charles XII, King of Sweden, Carl Gustafson Klingspor brings to life the extraordinary story of one of historys most enigmatic and fearless monarchs. Published by Perennial Press, this riveting biography captures the triumphs, trials, and unyielding determination of a warrior king who shaped the destiny of a nation. Charles XII ascended the Swedish throne at just fifteen, stepping into a world brimming with chaos and conflict. Defying the expectations of his youth, he quickly proved himself a formidable leader, spearheading Swedens military forces with unmatched courage and strategic brilliance. From the icy tundras of Russia to the battlefields of Poland and Saxony, Charles led his soldiers into the heart of Europes great power struggles, carving a path of audacious victoriesand devastating defeats. Klingspors masterful narrative delves beyond the battlefield, exploring the man behind the crown. What drove Charles to risk everything for glory? How did his singular vision for Swedens greatness clash with the relentless realities of war and politics? Through vivid detail and sharp analysis, this account unravels the complexities of a ruler whose indomitable spirit inspired loyalty and fear alike. Charles XII, King of Sweden is not just a biography; its an epic saga of ambition, resilience, and the high stakes of leadership. With each page, Klingspor brings history to life, inviting readers to witness the rise and fall of a king who dared to challenge the limits of power and legacy.

Numerose autorevoli fonti americane, europee, laiche e musulmane hanno riconosciuto nella predicazione del Nuovo Califfato radici profonde nella religione e nella storia di frange minoritarie ma antiche e persistenti dellIslam. Si tratta di radici che affondano nella tradizione wahabita, religione di stato in Arabia Saudita, diverse dalle radici piu ortodosse dei Fratelli Musulmani e di al Qaeda. Questo breve studio vuol essere semplicemente un aiuto per riassumere credenze religiose e ricordare eventi storici, quasi del tutto ignorati dai media e dalla saggistica italiana, per comprendere come le conoscenze sulla storia e la religione islamica siano essenziali per interpretare quanto oggi sconvolge tutto il mondo musulmano.Sin dalle origini dellIslam si confrontano un atteggiamento razionalista che cerca una interpretazione razionale del Corano e non rifiuta linnovazione ed un atteggiamento tradizionalista che rifiuta ogni innovazione e impone una interpretazione letterale del Corano a cui aggiunge la Sunnah, la tradizione, costituita da migliaia o piu di hadith, i detti del Profeta, raccolti dalla tradizione orale secoli dopo e filtrati solo con metodi ingenui. Buona parte della Sharia (la legge) e delle norme rituali e di costume che regolano ogni aspetto della vita di un credente derivano solo dagli hadith.Linnovazione e il ragionamento indipendente sono alla base della grande cultura musulmana medievale e sono ancora accettate in alcune culture islamiche moderne ma la maggior parte dellIslam accetta una interpretazione tradizionalista e ostile alla razionalita. Dalla corrente tradizionalista nasce una interpretazione integralista fondata da Hanbal che trova una autorevole successore in al-Taymiyyah quando cade il califfato arabo. Corano e Hadith sono recepiti alla lettera (testualismo), si rifiuta il libero arbitrio , si accentua il fatalismo ed il quietismo verso i governanti salvo predicare il Jihad violento non solo contro loccidente (al Qaeda) ma contro chiunque, musulmani o occidentali, non voglia ritornare ai costumi dellArabia dei Salafi i compagni del Profeta.Sempre minoritario e contestato, tale pensiero viene ripreso da Wahabi in sinergia con la politica aggressiva della famiglia Saud: storia crudele e sconosciuta dal XVIII secolo ad oggi. Solo dopo la seconda guerra mondiale leresia wahabita, con i mezzi finanziari di Sauditi e Qatarini e la sensibilita sociale dei Fratelli Mussulmani, avvia una potente azione missionaria che diffonde linterpretazione integralista in tutte le comunita musulmane.Il discorso di Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, il califfo del Daesh, mostra chiare derivazioni da antiche ideologie integraliste che purtroppo da molti musulmani sono percepite come superiori interpretazioni dellIslam ma che rendono problematico il rapporto dellIslam con altre culture e religioni.

The Life of Belisarius by Philip Stanhope offers a captivating exploration of the life and legacy of one of historys most brilliant yet underappreciated military leaders. As the foremost general of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I, Belisarius played a key role in the empires ambitious attempts to restore the former glory of Rome. Stanhope brings Belisariuss extraordinary career to life, recounting his triumphs on battlefields across Europe, Africa, and Asia. From his stunning victory over the Vandals in North Africa to his masterful campaigns against the Ostrogoths in Italy and the Persians in the East, Belisariuss strategic brilliance and daring feats are vividly detailed. Yet, this biography goes beyond the battlefield, delving into the challenges he faced off the fieldnavigating the treacherous politics of Justinians court, enduring betrayals and false accusations, and maintaining loyalty to a ruler who often doubted his greatest champion. Through Stanhopes insightful narrative, readers gain a nuanced portrait of Belisarius, a man of honor, resilience, and exceptional talent, who rose above adversity to shape the destiny of an empire. At the same time, the book provides a rich view of the 6th-century Byzantine world, with its cultural splendor, political intrigue, and relentless ambition to revive the Roman Empire. The Life of Belisarius is a gripping tale of loyalty, courage, and the rise and fall of power, offering a fresh perspective on a legendary figure whose achievements deserve to stand alongside historys most celebrated generals. Whether you are a student of history or a lover of epic biographies, Philip Stanhopes timeless work ensures that the legacy of Belisarius will endure.

The Wars Between England and America by T.C. Smith offers an insightful exploration into the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Great Britain and the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This comprehensive work delves into the political, economic, and social factors that led to conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the causes and consequences of these pivotal events. Smith meticulously examines the ideological divergences, economic tensions, and diplomatic challenges that fueled hostilities between the two nations. Through detailed analysis, the book sheds light on the motivations and actions of key figures, the impact of international affairs, and the evolving national identities that influenced the course of these wars. By contextualizing the conflicts within the broader scope of global politics, Smith offers a balanced perspective that highlights the complexities of Anglo-American relations. Written with clarity and scholarly rigor, The Wars Between England and America serves as both an engaging narrative and a valuable academic resource. T.C. Smiths work remains a significant contribution to historical literature, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of the intricate dynamics that shaped the early interactions between England and America.

Saint Galgano Chuidotti: The Sword in the StoneThe legend of King Arthur centers on the future King in the mythical kingdom of Camelot located in southern England, a knight and a sword in a stone.However, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside of Italy is the small village of Montesiepi where a mystery exists, not dissimilar to this legend.In a small chapel on a hilltop exists a sword plunged into a rock by a feudal knight.The knight is not King Arthur and the sword is not Excalibur but the sword of a real medieval knight, Galgano Guidotti born in Chiusdino in 1148, the only son of Guido and Dionisia. A knight in the army of a local medieval warlord in Sienna. Galgano waged battle and led a ruthless life fighting and destroying enemies on his Lords behalf, inflicting much pain, not just to his opponents but also upon himself.Displeased with the life he led and the ongoing wars he must fight, he leaves the army to lead the life of a recluse.The legend follows that he leaves his family and travels to visit his fiance before becoming a hermit. Along the way his horse is startled and rears, Galgano is tossed to the ground, lying unhurt he has a vision of the Archangel Michael who confirms to him to live the life of a hermit here at Montsiepi.Upon arrival at the hilltop and with the anger and frustration of his life he plunges his sword into the stone on the ground. The sword enters without resistance. Galgano believing this is a sign from God remains living out the rest of his days as a hermit receiving pilgrims who ask him to perform miracles. He is murdered mysteriously around 1181AD.The Roman Catholic Church canonizes him around 1190 and the legend of Saint Galgano prospers. A monastery was constructed near the site by Cistercian monks after this date, known as the Abbey of Saint Galgano. A round chapel is constructed over the site of the sword in the stone and it is alleged that Galgano is buried within the walls.Galganos message was for peace and an end to war, however, at the time the church was instructing Christians to go to the Holy lands to retake Jerusalem, his story becomes hidden for hundred of years in the church records. A similar legend speaks of a secret chamber underground that houses The Holy Grail the chalice at Christs last supperThe real story of the sword in the stone has not ended here, recent research has been done on the composition of the metal of the sword by Luigi Garlaschelli of the University of Pavia and shows that the composition of the metal and the style of the sword are consistent with the era of Galgano, the sword in the stone is not a fake.One of the most interesting stories to come out of the legend of Sir Galgano Guidotti is the story of Merlini the sorcerer.Now read as Sir Galgano Chuidotti speaks through Sussan a well known psychic and channeler. We also listen to Osiris a non-physical entity as he speaks about Merlini (Merlin the magician) the knights friend and mentor.

In A Short History of Imperial Europe, Ramsay Muir offers a sweeping and insightful exploration of the forces, ambitions, and consequences behind Europes unparalleled rise to global dominance. Originally published as The Expansion of Europe, this seminal work traces the story of how European nationsthrough trade, conquest, exploration, and colonialismshaped the modern world in both profound and controversial ways. From the Age of Exploration to the height of imperial power in the 19th century, Muir examines the interplay of political ambition, economic motives, religious fervor, and technological advancement that propelled European nations to the forefront of world affairs. At the same time, he delves into the profound impactsboth constructive and destructiveof imperialism on the colonized regions and the European powers themselves. Blending vivid storytelling with rigorous historical analysis, Muir challenges readers to consider the legacies of imperial Europe that continue to shape our world today. For modern readers, this concise yet comprehensive account serves as an essential introduction to the history of European imperialism, sparking reflection on its enduring influence in a globalized age. Perfect for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of the modern world, A Short History of Imperial Europe remains as relevant and thought-provoking as when it was first written.The terms Empire and Imperialism are in some respects unfortunate, because of the suggestion of purely military dominion which they convey; and their habitual employment has led to some unhappy results. It has led men of one school of thought to condemn and repudiate the whole movement, as an immoral product of brute force, regardless of the rights of conquered peoples. They have refused to study it, and have made no endeavour to understand it; not realising that the movement they were condemning was as inevitable and as irresistible as the movement of the tidesand as capable of being turned to beneficent ends. On the other hand, the implications of these terms have perhaps helped to foster in men of another type of mind an unhealthy spirit of pride in mere domination, as if that were an end in itself, and have led them to exult in the extension of national power, without closely enough considering the purposes for which it was to be used. Both attitudes are deplorable, and in so far as the words Empire,Imperial, and Imperialism tend to encourage them, they are unfortunate words. They certainly do not adequately express the full significance of the process whereby the civilisation of Europe has been made into the civilisation of the world...

In the Middle Ages Italy was occupied by a vast number of political communities, some large, others very small, some self-governing, some under despotic rule. These small states were forever contending with each other, often to the death, for independence, or increase of territory, or control of trade-routes, or preponderance. They frequently grouped themselves in unstable alliance to meet some common peril or gratify some common greed. And the domestic politics of Italy were further subject to perturbation, owing to the presence of an authoritative and aspiring Papacy within her gates, and the temptations that the fair land offered to the rapacity of the foreigner without. Several of the self-governing communities of Italy achieved imperishable lustre and distinction. The eldest children of liberty, they became the mighty mothers of the art, the literature, the commerce, and the civilization of the modern world. To each of the more illustrious of these republics detailed attention will be given in due course. But their relations with surrounding communities were subject to protean transformations and interpenetrating complexities that cannot be adequately comprehended without first surveying the continuous development of the Peninsula as a wholethe higher unfolding of a process which contained and conditioned the life of each individual state. That process begins with the period when the progressive decay of the Roman world led to its disintegration, when Italy experienced successive shocks of invasion by races of barbarians or semi-civilized peoples, some of whom settled on the disorganized land and ruled it; it embraces the struggle of Pope, Lombard, and the Greek representatives of the Roman Empire for supremacy; it includes the occupation of the fairest portion of the country by colonist-soldiers from Mohammedan shores, and its subjugation by Norman adventurers from the fields of Cotentin; it proceeds to the great struggle between the resuscitated empire in the grasp of German Caesars, and the illimitable ambition of the spiritual sovereigns of Europe; it .concerns itself with the degeneracy of the Pontiff into an Italian princelet, with the coalescence of the independent communes into larger states, with the foreign interference which their quarrels caused them to evoke, and with the subjugation of the petty despotisms and enfeebled republics of the Peninsula alike, by the unsuspected power of the great monarchies beyond the Alps; it ends with the diversion and expansion of the main stream of European thought and life from Italy to the North, carrying with it the precious and immortal results of the vigour and vitality of Italian character and intellect...

*** This is a short and Untold Stories of the Women Heroes in the Extraordinary World War Two *** These women have been footnotes in history and at least one of them was a model for women in James Bond books and movies. The women however have remained in the shadows of the stories of the Second World War. These women fade into history even though their actions were crucial in changing the outcome of the war. This book is an effort to remember these forgotten women and remove the shrouds from the memory of these amazing and courageous women.

A causa da Bíblia no Brasil já tem uma história de dois séculos e muitos heróis. São incontáveis os personagens do passado que lutaram com fé e coragem para introduzir e divulgar a Bíblia em nosso pa

Lautore immagina di incontrare i suoi avi degli ultimi 400 anni, di parlare con loro facendosi raccontare la vita ed i cambiamenti sociali intervenuti nel tempo.Ne nasce un racconto pieno di curiosita, oltre che di usi, costumi e fatti storici rilevanti per il territorio di Bassano del Grappa (VI).Il tutto e condito da una continua introspezione che diventa racconto nel racconto.Il libro e scritto in italiano, i dialoghi sono riproposti anche in dialetto veneto.

Nouvelle édition numérique de Franc-tireur, augmentée de documents, photos, interviews, video et textes inédits de Georges Mattéi. La biographie dun homme, le portrait dune époque. Georges Mattéi fut tour a tour soldat en Algerie, passeur de frontieres, fabricant de faux papiers, journaliste et ecrivain. Il rencontra de nombreuses figures marquantes de son epoque, comme Jean-Paul Sartre, Fidel Castro ou Daniel Cohn-Bendit, quil fit entrer clandestinement en France, en mai 1968. "Les heros de ma jeunesse ne sont pas footballeurs, chefs dentreprise, experts humanitaires, surs de charite ou presentateurs de television. Dans mon pantheon, il y a de la place pour les poetes, ceux qui nacceptent pas les defaites, ceux qui necoutent pas les integristes de leconomie, ceux qui ne se soumettent pas a la sous-culture americaine, ceux qui nacceptent pas la "fin de lhistoire"..." Une histoire inedite, une fresque extraordinaire. Jean-Luc Einaudi est ne a Paris en 1951. Il a passe son enfance en banlieue parisienne, puis le jeune adolescent sinteresse aux mouvements revolutionnaires qui agitent alors le monde, en particulier lAmerique latine, et fait partie de la generation qui se revolte contre la guerre americaine au Viet-Nam. Tout en menant des etudes de philosophie puis en etant instituteur, il sengage de plus en plus dans laction militante en ecrivant dans le journal LHumanite rouge, dabord hebdomaire puis quotidien, dont il deviendra redacteur en chef. En 1982, faisant le bilan des realites du socialisme dans lhistoire et dans le monde, il rompt avec son engagement politique. Il devient educateur de jeunes en difficulte en banlieue parisienne. A partir de 1982, il entreprend des recherches sur la periode de la guerre dAlgerie et publie en 1986 un premier livre "Pour lexemple - Laffaire Fernand Iveton" que preface le grand historien Pierre Vidal-Naquet. Depuis, il a publie une quinzaine douvrages. Il est particulierement connu pour son role dans la connaissance et la reconnaissance du massacre dAlgeriens a Paris en octobre 1961, par la police française sous les ordres du Prefet Maurice Papon.

Esta edición digital en formato ePub se ha realizado a partir de una edición impresa digitalizada que forma parte de los fondos de la Biblioteca Nacional de España.El proyecto de creación de ePubs a partir de obras digitalizadas de la BNE pretende enriquecer la oferta de servicios de la Biblioteca Digital Hispanica y se enmarca en el proyecto BNElab, que nace con el objetivo de impulsar el uso de los recursos digitales de la Biblioteca Nacional de España.En el proceso de digitalizacion de documentos, los impresos son en primer lugar digitalizados en forma de imagen. Posteriormente, el texto es extraido de manera automatizada gracias a la tecnologia de reconocimiento optico de caracteres (OCR).El texto asi obtenido ha sido aqui revisado, corregido y convertido a ePub (libro electronico o publicacion electronica), formato abierto y estandar de libros digitales. Se intenta respetar en la mayor medida posible el texto original (por ejemplo en cuanto a ortografia), pero pueden realizarse modificaciones con vistas a una mejor legibilidad y adaptacion al nuevo formato.Si encuentra errores o anomalias, estaremos muy agradecidos si nos lo hacen saber a traves del correo bnelab@bne.es.Las obras aqui convertidas a ePub se encuentran en dominio publico, y la utilizacion de estos textos es libre y gratuita.

Esta edición digital en formato ePub se ha realizado a partir de una edición impresa digitalizada que forma parte de los fondos de la Biblioteca Nacional de España.El proyecto de creación de ePubs a partir de obras digitalizadas de la BNE pretende enriquecer la oferta de servicios de la Biblioteca Digital Hispanica y se enmarca en el proyecto BNElab, que nace con el objetivo de impulsar el uso de los recursos digitales de la Biblioteca Nacional de España.En el proceso de digitalizacion de documentos, los impresos son en primer lugar digitalizados en forma de imagen. Posteriormente, el texto es extraido de manera automatizada gracias a la tecnologia de reconocimiento optico de caracteres (OCR).El texto asi obtenido ha sido aqui revisado, corregido y convertido a ePub (libro electronico o publicacion electronica), formato abierto y estandar de libros digitales. Se intenta respetar en la mayor medida posible el texto original (por ejemplo en cuanto a ortografia), pero pueden realizarse modificaciones con vistas a una mejor legibilidad y adaptacion al nuevo formato.Si encuentra errores o anomalias, estaremos muy agradecidos si nos lo hacen saber a traves del correo bnelab@bne.es.Las obras aqui convertidas a ePub se encuentran en dominio publico, y la utilizacion de estos textos es libre y gratuita.

O Príncipe, de Niccolo Machiavelli, é um tratado político do século XVI. Às vezes, afirma-se queO Príncipe é uma das primeiras obras da filosofia moderna, especialmente da filosofia política moderna,

Il Principe, di Niccolo Machiavelli, e un trattato politico del XVI secolo. Il Principe e talvolta considerato una delle prime opere della filosofia moderna, in particolare della filosofia politica moderna, in cui la verita effettiva e considerata piu importante di qualsiasi ideale astratto. Era anche in diretto conflitto con le dottrine cattoliche e scolastiche dominanti dellepoca in materia di politica ed etica. Il Principe ha come tema generale laccettazione del fatto che gli scopi dei principi, come la gloria e la sopravvivenza, possono giustificare luso di mezzi immorali per raggiungere tali scopi. Sebbene sia relativamente breve, il trattato e la piu ricordata delle opere di Machiavelli e la piu responsabile delluso del termine machiavellico come peggiorativo. Ha persino contribuito alla moderna connotazione negativa delle parole politica e politico nei Paesi occidentali. In termini di argomento si sovrappone ai Discorsi su Livio, molto piu lunghi, scritti qualche anno dopo. Machiavelli sottolinea la necessita del realismo, in contrapposizione allidealismo. Inoltre, sottolinea la differenza tra esseri umani e animali, poiche ci sono due modi di contendere, uno secondo le leggi, laltro con la forza; il primo e proprio degli uomini, il secondo delle bestie. Nel Principe non spiega quali siano, secondo lui, i migliori obiettivi etici o politici, se non il controllo della propria fortuna, in contrapposizione allattesa di cio che il caso porta. Machiavelli dava per scontato che gli aspiranti leader mirassero naturalmente alla gloria o allonore. Egli associava questi obiettivi alla necessita di virtu e prudenza in un leader e vedeva tali virtu come essenziali per la buona politica e per il bene comune. Che i grandi uomini debbano sviluppare e utilizzare la loro virtu e prudenza era un tema tradizionale dei consigli ai principi cristiani.

Dieses Buch ist die Gesamtfassung der Wurda-Trilogie. Bei der Lekture des Buches konnte man den Eindruck gewinnen, Schildburgern der Neuzeit zu begegnen. Dem ist nicht ganz so. Man liest von den Bewohnern des Dorfes Wurda und von denen der Nachbargemeinden Weckelnheim und Bimstedt. Wurda steht allerdings im Mittelpunkt des Geschehens, weil hier der Protagonist der Handlung beheimatet ist und er das Geschehen aus seiner Sicht beschreibt. Neben ihm wirken Personen unterschiedlichen Charakters, die durch Dick und Dunn gehen, Freud und Leid empfinden, aber nicht verzagen . Das alles wird auf humorvolle Weise dargestellt. Wurda befindet sich auf dem Territorium der DDR. Hier vollzieht sich die ideologische Ausrichtung wie uberall in diesem noch jungen Staat. Die Befolgung gerat in Wurda jedoch zur Parodie. Allen voran ist es der Parteisekretar der SED, der wider jede Vernunft uberzeugen will. Wurda und Weckelnheim erreichen schlielich den Gipfelpunkt der gesellschaftspolitischen, sozialistisch gepragten Zeit. Sie werden zu Vorzeigedorfer der angestrebten kommunistischen Lebensweise. Doch diese Zufriedenheit wahrt nicht lange. Die Gluckseuphorie der Wurdaer und der anderen Beteiligten hat ein Ende, als Walter Ulbricht die Dorfer Wurda und Weckelnheim aus dem Staatsgefuge der DDR verstot. Die BRD nimmt sich der entrechteten Einwohner an und lasst sie als Neubundesburger in den Genuss westlicher Demokratie kommen. Ulbricht, dem die kapitalistische Entwicklung in dieser Enklave missfallt, will seine Fehlentscheidung ruckgangig machen. Mit einem absurden Einfall zwingt er die Bundesregierung, von diesem kleinsten Bundesland zu lassen. Als in der Nahe Weckelnheims ein Naturwunder entdeckt wird, bahnt sich eine uberraschende Wende der Geschehnisse an. Die unweit Weckelnheims aufsteigenden Kalidampfe, die Kranke gesund machen, Suchtige von ihrem Laster befreien und ein langeres Leben verheien, sollen den Gemeindeverbund Wuwe in das Wunderkurland "Weie Wolke" verwandeln. Das hierfur notwendige Startkapital will eine amerikanische Millionarswitwe sponsern. Diese Grozugigkeit verbindet sie jedoch mit Vorbedingungen, die den Kurlandverantwortlichen einiges Kopfzerbrechen bereitet. Die nationale und internationale Aufmerksamkeit, die dem aufstrebenden kleinen Land nun zuteil wird, zeitigt nicht nur positive Tendenzen; es gibt auch gegensatzliche Bestrebungen, die den Wachstumsprozess auf eine harte Probe stellen. Schlielich gibt es ein Happy End. Wurda, Weckelnheim und Bimstedt grunden einen eigenen Staat, in dem auch an grauen Tagen eitel Sonnenschein herrscht. So wie man dort jetzt lebt, mochte man es als Leser auch konnen. Doch kann man an der Freude dieser glucklichen Menschen nur gedanklich teilhaben. Es bleibt jedoch das Gefuhl, diese Menschen auf ihrem Wege begleitet zu haben.