Abstract

Lewald (1811-1889), the best-selling German woman writer in the nineteenth century, proved akeen and perceptive observer of the social, artistic, and political life of her times, of which these Recollections offer an excellent example. Written from a woman's perspective, this first-hand account of the revolutions in both Germany and France must be considered a unique document. It is further enhanced by her detailed description of the Frankfurt Parliament and her relationships with many of the prominent politicians and thinkers of that eventful period.

"... if the reader wishes to hear the street cries of the revolution, climb the barricades ..., experience the hopes and anxieties of a city gripped with political uncertainty and stripped of its trees from the boulevards, and witness the actress Rachel Felix sing the Marseillaise at the end of her performance ..., then this is the book to buy."  · French History

"... the reports ... are impressive for their astute observation and analysis of the problems of the period ... Beautifully written, they rank among the most important eyewitness reports of the period."  · Central European History

"... comparing her to a modern-day press correspondent, Lewis presents Lewald as a zeitzeuge who is well-informed and able to suggest answers to contemporary problems. Yet Lewis also beautifully succeeds in conveying the poetic melancholy underlying Lewald's writing, Lewald's subtle sense of humor,as well as her idiosyncratic neologisms. Another very positive feature...is Lewis' meticulous annotations, which present historical, biographical, and other background information."  · German Studies Review