Red Vienna Sourcebook

The German TV series Babylon Berlin explores the Weimar Republic, while the Austrian capital, Vienna, experienced a Social Democratic majority until the 1930s. The Red Vienna Sourcebook provides an encyclopedic selection of key documents from this period, translated and introduced, covering diverse disciplines such as economics, architecture, music, film history, philosophy, women's studies, sports, and Jewish studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 804 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2020
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Weimar Republic, a turbulent era in German history, is explored in the German TV series Babylon Berlin. The series has received praise for its relevance to the present, depicting the rise of dark populist forces undermining a fragile democracy. While Weimar Germany provides a captivating backdrop, its story offers little hope for our contemporary political and cultural challenges.

In contrast, Vienna, the capital of Austria, offers a fascinating contrast. Following the First World War, Vienna elected a Social Democratic majority that persisted into the 1930s. Known as Red Vienna, the city undertook extensive experiments in public housing, hygiene, and education while maintaining a world-class presence in music, literature, art, culture, and science. Despite facing fascist violence, Red Vienna left a rich legacy that holds the potential to inform our own tumultuous times.

The Red Vienna Sourcebook is a comprehensive collection of key documents from this period, carefully translated and introduced. Spanning thirty-six chapters, the book includes primary works from canonical figures such as Sigmund Freud and Arthur Schnitzler, as well as introductions to lesser-known figures such as sociologist Käthe Leichter and health-policy pioneer Julius Tandler. The documents cover a wide range of disciplines, including economics, architecture, music, film history, philosophy, women's studies, sports and body culture, and Jewish studies.

This sourcebook provides scholars and students with an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of the Weimar Republic and the legacies of Red Vienna. By exploring these primary sources, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural developments that shaped this period and their relevance to our contemporary world. The translations and contextualizing introductions and commentaries ensure that the documents are accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

In conclusion, the Red Vienna Sourcebook offers a unique perspective on the Weimar Republic and its aftermath, providing a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in history, politics, and culture. By exploring the documents and insights contained within this book, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that we face in our own tumultuous times and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 1496g
Dimension: 179 x 254 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640140677