FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 1 C.H.BECK Foreign Rights News Autumn 2007 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 2

HARDCOVER NONFICTION HARDCOVER LITERATURE PA

2 The Maritime Silk Route by Roderich Ptak 23 The Savior by Björn Kern 27 T 3 In Defense of Privacy by Wolfgang Sofsky 24 My Most Important Body Functions by Jochen Schmidt 27 T 4 A Cultural History of Climate by Wolfgang Behringer 25 The West by Ernst Augustin 28 T 5 Cultus and the Promise of Salvation 26 The Beginning of Life by Dirk von Petersdorff 28 O by Martin Riesebrodt 29 E 6 The Childhood of Myth by Gyburg Radke 30 S 7 How Civilized Is the Devil? by Harald Weinrich 30 T 8 Forever In Hitler’s Shadow? by Heinrich August Winkler 31 H 9 History in Memory by Aleida Assmann 31 A 10 Before the Judges of Rome by Detlef Liebs 32 H 11 Kleist by Gerhard Schulz 32 H 12 The Love Trap by Hans-Joachim Maaz 33 H

Contents 13 A Critique of Hermeneutics by Hans Krämer 33 M 14 The Americans at War by Dietmar Herz 34 C 15 Political Religions by Hans Maier b 16 The Book of Divine Consolation by Meister Eckhart, 35 R ed. by Kurt Flasch b 17 What is a Good Religion? ed. by Uwe Justus Wenzel 18 Visiting the Middle Ages by Johannes Fried 19 The Destiny of the Universe by Günther Hasinger 20 The Nature of the Human Being by Eckart Voland 21 The Elbe by Hansjörg Küster 22 Degas and His Century by Werner Hofmann

Cover: Jannis Kounellis, Untitled, 1978; © Bridgeman / VG- Bildkunst Translation: Philip Schmitz FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 3

sche beckreihe

PAPERBACKS PAPERBACKS Contents

27 The Ten Commandments by Matthias Köckert 36 A History of Cultural Criticism by Bollenbeck idt 27 The German Order by Jürgen Sarnowsky 37 Putin’s System by Margareta Mommsen and Angelika Nußberger 28 The Edda by Rudolf Simek 38 The 101 Most Important Questions:Ancient Art 28 Ovid’s Metamorphoses by Niklas Holzberg by Ulrich Sinn 29 Early Christian and Byzantine Art by Johannes Deckers 39 Great Moments in Music by Nikolaus de Palézieux 30 Shakespeare’s Hamlet by Dieter Mehl 40 House without Eyebrows by Ursula Muscheler 30 The Hittites by Jörg Klinger 41 Women in Antiquity by Elke Hartmann 31 History of Ancient Technology by Helmuth Schneider 42 Smart, Beautiful and Dangerous by Anna Eunike Röhrig 31 Ancient Delphi by Michael Maaß 43 History of the Social State in Europe 32 History of Racism by Christian Geulen by Eberhard Eichenhofer 32 History of the Modern State by Wolfgang Reinhard 44 Charles Darwin by Eve-Marie Engels 33 History of Scandinavia by Harm G. Schröter 44 Bertrand Russell by Thomas Mormann 33 Migraine by Matthias Keidel 45 Classical Texts of Art History edited by Ulrich Pfister 34 Climate Change 46 A Brief Psychology of Everyday Life by Rolf Reber by Stefan Rahmstorf and Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber 47 Cultural Philosophy by Albert Schweitzer 35 Renewable Energies 48 Japanese Society by Florian Coulmas by Peter Hennicke and Manfred Fischedick 49 Brief History of Catalonia by Carlos Collado Seidel FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 4

2 C.H.BECK

Roderich Ptak Die maritime Seidenstraße V The Maritime Silk Route Roderich Ptak has written a fascinating historical overview of the oceans between East Africa and Priv Japan from the earliest periods to the Modern Age. He traces the trading patterns of this vast area pow and describes the cultural exchanges between distant coasts, the migrations of religions across the equ seas and the formation of political networks that were independent of the great land powers. reve und When the Portuguese and Spanish advanced into the Indian Ocean and the Far East, they were curr amazed to see that the Arabs, Indians and Chinese had already been plying the Asian seas for indi centuries and possessed ships that were hardly inferior to their own. In fact, the Chinese Admiral Zheng He was even reputed to have reached America a few decades before the Portuguese. China The was a maritime superpower for an extended period. It enjoyed a wide sphere of influence and rece contributed significantly to the coalescence of broad commercial relationships within the Asian that maritime zones, i.e., the maritime silk route. Roderich Ptak describes the winds and straits, harbors aga and islands, the ocean routes and the development of seafaring. Not least, he sets forth how, in beg addition to trade goods, ideas and knowledge also spread across the oceans. Thus, his research sheds and light on a chapter of world history that unfolded apart from Europe and still before the age of sph European expansion. bod Roderich Ptak was born in 1955 and is professor theo of Sinology at the University of Munich. His guest pro professorships in Paris, Lisbon and Macao attest to sub his international reputation. goa 368 pages, 47 illustrations and 16 maps, clothbound, EUR 24.90 dem aut English translation rights sold to inco Princeton UP Cultural HistoryCultural FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 5

C.H.BECK 3

Wolfgang Sofsky Verteidigung des Privaten In Defense of Privacy d Privacy lies at the heart of personal freedom. It must be protected equally from seizure through the a powers of government and encroachment from society. Increasingly, principles such as security, equality and social justice are arrayed against the right to privacy. Burgeoning bureaucracies and a reverence for authority, but also the convenience of thoughtlessness and a craving for publicity undermine our sense of the value of privacy. Wolfgang Sofsky’s polemic reaches far beyond the current debate about surveillance, security and data protection. It resolutely pleads the value of all individual freedoms. The endangerment of civil liberties through patriotic security legislation did not begin only with the recent terrorist attacks. The demarcation of an individual’s private sphere is an essential human task that confronts every society, for privacy is the core of personal freedom. It marks a strict boundary rs against every kind of social and political power. The ability of the individual to stand his ground begins with protection from unwelcome contact and harassment and from surveillance of his faith eds and emotions. From there it extends to intimate secrets all the way to the defense of personal spheres of activity. Wolfgang Sofsky examines the most important aspects of private life: the physical body and space, information and property, religion and freedom of thought. Today, according to his theory, the right to privacy is being sacrificed recklessly to the need for attention, security and prosperity. The modern state seeks to shape thinking, level differences and adapt “transparent subjects” to a set of public “rules and procedures.” In the interest of duties and allegedly higher

goals individuals are supposed to renounce their privacy – even voluntarily. In the meantime, the Sociology 90 demands of society and the state have progressed to the point where insisting upon individual autonomy is now cast as social treason. Privacy, however, affords everyone the right to remain incognito in public, to pursue one’s own well-being and to do so in one’s own fashion. Wolfgang Sofsky was professor of sociology at the universities of Göttingen and Erfurt until 2000. Today he is a private scholar, independent author and political commentator. In the year 1993 he received the Geschwister Scholl Prize for his book „Die Ordnung des Terrors. Das Konzentrationslager“ („The Systemization of Terror.The Concentration Camp“). 160 pages, hardcover, EUR 16.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 6

4 C.H.BECK

Wolfgang Behringer C Kulturgeschichte des Klimas Ei Von der Eiszeit bis zur globalen Erwärmung A Cultural History of Climate From the Ice Age to Global Warming Hurling lightning and thunder was a privilege of the gods, and St. Peter sent rain and sun however Thi he pleased. For many centuries – probably even much longer than that – things functioned fairly Dra well without human involvement. That was long ago. Today we are creating the weather ourselves. desc The experts agree: to a large extent the blame for climate change is ours. It’s time to take a look attr back. How has climate influenced humans as a species? How did climatic fluctuations change the reco lives of our ancestors and determine their civilizations? This book takes readers on an illuminating new journey through the history of climatic variation from the Holocene to the present. All Everybody talks about the weather; so do we. Currently, there are more predictions than usual about salv how it’s going to be. But what do we know about climatic fluctuations 500 years ago – or 5,000 exp years ago? What enables us to know anything at all about the history of the weather? And finally, and what effect did climatic variations have on human beings, their well-being and their spirit of inven- myt tion? sun anc Wolfgang Behringer provides an introduction to historical research on climatic change. He shows us uni what we can view as definite knowledge from today’s perspective, which fluctuations occurred and how they impeded or advanced the progress of the Homo sapiens. The book begins by presenting the scientific foundations and then shifts to more detailed research into the relationship between climatic and cultural developments for the historical period that begins with the Middles Ages. This worthwhile read vividly shows us what difficult climatic conditions our ancestors faced and how they dealt with them – as well as the occasional period with exceptionally pleasant weather, such as the age of the Staufers. The lesson we learn is, not least, to take courage, view climate change as the challenge of our generation and influence it for the better. Professor Wolfgang Behringer was born in 1956. He holds the chair for early modern history at Saarland University. C. H. Beck published his „Hexen. Glaube,Verfolgung,Vermarktung“ („Witches. Faith, Persecution, Marketing“). 288 pages, 10 illustrations and 15 diagrams, hardcover, EUR 22.90 Cultural HistoryCultural FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 7

C.H.BECK 5

Martin Riesebrodt Cultus und Heilsversprechen Eine Theorie der Religionen Cultus and the Promise of e Salvation A Theory of Religions r This book represents the first comprehensive theory of religion to be published in many years. Drawing on a host of examples from a wide array of religions, Martin Riesebrodt provides clear s. descriptions of the elements they all share in common. He explains why cults and rituals hold such attraction for their followers that even violence toward themselves and others does not make them recoil. A must for all who seek a better understanding of the tenacity of religious traditions and their g new power in public life. All religions hold out the promise that people will be able to avert misfortune, master crises and gain out salvation by cultivating their relationships to superhuman powers. Such promises of salvation find expression in the liturgies of religious festivals, in life cycle rituals, in the radical practices of ascetics , and in the assurances of prophets. Whereas religious ethics and feelings change and world views and n- myths become obsolete at some point, the traditional prayers continue to be said, the liturgies are sung and the sacrifices brought. Rituals are the connection between monotheistic religions and ancient polytheism, between East Asian religions and modern religious movements. They offer a us unique key to understanding the attraction religion exerts, which has outlasted all efforts at reason. d Martin Riesebrodt was born in 1948. He is professor of the sociology of religion at the Religion University of Chicago. C. H. Beck published his „Die Rückkehr der Religionen“ („The Return of the Religions“: 2001). 320 pages, clothbound, EUR 29.90 English translation rights sold to Chicago UP

2.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 8

6 C.H.BECK

Gyburg Radke Die Kindheit des Mythos Die Erfindung der Literaturgeschichte in der Antike W The Childhood of Myth Ku The Invention of Literary History in Antiquity In this seminal book, classical philologist and Leibniz Prize laureate Gyburg Radke clears Hellenistic Har poetry of its reputation for being no more than somewhat uninspired sophistry and, in the final top analysis, a pale reflection of genuine greatness that lay in the past. She replaces this erroneous illu opinion with the discovery of the revolutionary poetic program of an important literary epoch that by t came to have a formative effect on modernity. styl The protagonists are all well known – to be found among them are Zeus, Apollo, Heracles and Is G Achilles. But in the verse of Hellenistic poets we encounter these dominant figures of Greek bor mythology still as children. Thus, in the poets’ hymns and epics they are projected back to an age of t before the cosmos was ordered and its personnel had reached the degree of maturity we have come into to know from the works of Homer, Hesiod and the Greek tragedians. phe alw Underpinning her penetrating analyses with numerous examples, Gyburg Radke shows that great sem Hellenistic literary men such as Callimachus, Apollonius of Rhodes or Theocritus consciously employed this artistic device to rid themselves of outdated traditions. She documents how existing contexts, conventions and external rules are rendered inoperative in favor of fantasy-directed acts of creativity. The older content and texts are construed as products of a bygone past, declared to be literary history and thereby put at the disposal of a radically new poetic. In writing this book the author has opened a new chapter in scholarship on ancient poetry and restored the honor of a literary epoch that was unjustly underrated. Gyburg Radke teaches classical philology at the Fur University of Heidelberg. In the year 2006 her Leth research earned her the Leibniz Prize of the foll Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German tran Research Foundation). tran 384 pages, hardcover, EUR 34.90 tran Lin Il M che schi tik Ital Classical Philology FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 9

C.H.BECK 7

Harald Weinrich Wie zivilisiert ist der Teufel? Kurze Besuche bei Gut und Böse How Civilized Is the Devil? Short Visits to Good and Evil stic Harald Weinrich, one of the great literary and linguistic scholars of our time, has touched on many topics in his writings: Tempo, The Linguistics of Lies, Lethe, Short of Time – the very titles of his illustrious books testify to the broad spectrum of questions the author addresses in them. Perception at by the senses, heightened by a hermeneutically schooled eye, have always been the hallmarks of his style. Is Goethe’s Mephisto, as Madame de Staël believed, a “civilized devil”? And just where does the border between good and evil lie as reflected in literature? These and similar questions are the focus of the twenty brief essays by Harald Weinrich contained in this book. Here, the author delves far me into the fields of cultural history, philosophy and theology. In addition to the many positive phenomena, he does not overlook the darkest years of German history. His outlook, however, always remains grounded in European literature, seen through a close and careful reading of its seminal works. g Until his retirement Harald Weinrich was of professor of German as a foreign language at the University of Munich and professor of Romance languages at the Collège de France.

336 pages, hardcover, EUR 26.90

Further titles published by C. H. Beck: Lethe. Kunst und Kritik des Vergessens (Lethe. Art and Critique of Forgetting: 2000) to which the following translation rights have been sold: Spanish translation rights sold to Siruela, Italian translation rights sold to Il Mulino, Hungarinan translation rights sold to Atlantisz, English translation rights sold to Cornell UP, Japanese translation rights sold to Hakusuisha, Portuguese translation rights sold to Civilizacao Publishing and Korean translation rights sold to Munkhakdo. Linguistik der Lüge (Linguistics of Lies: 2006), to which Italian translation rights have been sold to Il Mulino, and English translation rights sold to University of Washington Press. Tempus. Bespro- chene und erzählte Welt (Tempo. The World As Discussed and Narrated: 2001), Kleine Literaturge- schichte der Heiterkeit (Short Literary History of Joviality: 2001) and Knappe Zeit. Kunst und Kri- tik des befristeten Lebens (Short of Time. The Art and Critique of a Limited Life: 2005) to which Italian translation rights have been sold to Il Mulino. Cultural HistoryCultural FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 10

8 C.H.BECK

Heinrich August Winkler G Auf ewig in Hitlers Schatten? Vo Über die Deutschen und ihre Geschichte In Forever In Hitler’s Shadow? Concerning the Germans and Their History In Hitler’s shadow forever? More than 60 years after the end of the Third Reich our historical In h self-reflection continues to revolve around the central question of how national Socialism and the thro violent crimes of 1933–1945 could have happened. Naturally, the question can only be answered gen and evaluated within a greater historical context. way und In this book Heinrich August Winkler, one of the great historians of our times, pursues the of t fundamental questions of German history: Prussia, the “abortive” revolution of 1848, the Bismarck legacy, the failed revolution of 1918/19, the “seizure of power” as an “avoidable catastrophe,” 1945 We as a turning point and, of course, Winkler’s central theme of Germany’s long road west. These are resp only some of the topics discussed by this knowledgeable and perceptive author. His collection of the elegantly written essays concludes with an examination of the Western community of values – which to t also serves as a first glimpse of the renowned historian’s next publication. sear Until his retirement this year Heinrich August true Winkler was professor of contemporary history His at the University of Berlin. mo History 224 pages, hardcover, EUR 19.90 plaq dev and Other titles published by C. H. Beck: Weimar (2005) translated into Italian by Donzelli and Der lange Weg nach Westen, 2 Bde. (The Long Road to the West: 2005, 2 vol.) which has been translated into Hungarian by Osiris Kiado, into Italian by Donzelli Editore, into English by Oxford University Press, into French by Fayard and into Polish by Wydawnictwo Universytetu Wrocklawskiego.

Fur Erin by K Zar Pas FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 11

C.H.BECK 9

Aleida Assmann Geschichte im Gedächtnis Von der individuellen Erfahrung zur öffentlichen Inszenierung History in Memory From Individual Experience to Public Production In her new book Aleida Assmann describes the way history in Germany is remembered, experienced through the senses and depicted in the media. She covers an impressive range: from experiential, generational and family remembrance extending to architecture as a historical backdrop and all the way to exhibitions, media portrayals and historical reenactments. A must for anyone who seeks to understand the basis for the reorganization of historical consciousness in Germany at the beginning of the 21st century. ck 945 We live in a history-obsessed age where remembrance has become an individual duty and a public e responsibility. The “new historicism” of the 21st century, however, differs considerably from that of the 19th century. The national master narrative has been replaced through a diversity of approaches ich to the past. Historical consciousness has become more variegated and internally contradictory. In the search for identity the importance of one’s own life and family history has increased. The same holds true for regional history which is being discovered as a location factor for businesses and tourism. History is presented not only in family sagas, exhibitions and films, but also in the demolition, modification or reconstruction of historical buildings and in the embedding of concrete memorial plaques in sidewalk pavements. Using a host of examples, Aleida Assmann illustrates this development in Germany and shows how new alliances are being forged between the preservationist and the economist. Born in 1947, Aleida Assmann is professor of English and general literature at the University of nd Konstanz. 160 pages, clothbound, EUR 16.90

Further publications with C. H. Beck Verlag: Erinnerungsräume (Places of Remembrance: 2006) translated into Italian by Il Mulino, into Korean by Kyungpook National University Press, into Japanese by Verlag Siuseisha and into Lithuanian by Zara Publishers and most recently Der lange Schatten der Vergangenheit (The Long Shadow of the Past: 2006). Cultural HistoryCultural FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 12

10 C.H.BECK

Detlef Liebs Vor den Richtern Roms K Berühmte Prozesse der Antike Ei Before the Judges of Rome Famous Trials of Antiquity In his new book Detlef Liebs tells of seminal trials in Roman antiquity. The charges include, among “H others, murder, disturbing the peace, dowry hunting, witchcraft and heresy. Drawing on a total of cali 16 famous cases the author brings 1,000 years of Roman legal history back to life. Ger A young woman mourns an enemy who was killed in battle, for which she is murdered by her Ger brother. How do the Romans deal with this first case of honor killing in legal history? In a carefree but love affair an offensive demand for money arises. How does an experienced jurist deflect the rest immoral accusation? A man who proclaims a new religion is accused of incitement and stands refu before the governor of the province of Judah. How does the deputy of the Roman emperor restore Kle order in one of the empire’s most restive provinces? In the year 64 AD Rome is in flames, the afte populace is outraged, the Emperor himself comes under suspicion. How does he now go about who shifting the blame to the Christians? Three hundred years later, the Christians themselves are at the age tiller although there is dissension among them about the correct path to salvation. How do the And former coreligionists deal with one another now that the suspicion of heresy has arisen? all o Detlef Liebs paints a lively picture of everyday legal life in Roman antiquity and clarifies how the Ger moral concepts and problem-solving approaches of former times have survived for millennia. and Until his retirement Detlef Liebs held a arc professorship at the Institut für Rechtsgeschichte Ger Antiquity und geschichtliche Rechtsvergleichung (Institute for has Legal History and Comparative Historical Law) at acc the University of Freiburg. He is a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy, London, and one of Germany’s most recognized scholars in the field of Roman Law. 288 pages, hardcover, EUR 24.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 13

C.H.BECK 11

Gerhard Schulz Kleist Eine Biographie Kleist A Biography ng “Heinrich von Kleist had a reputation as a difficult individual. But what does that mean? Who f calibrates the weights and measures that are used to weigh a human being?” Gerhard Schulz Gerhard Schulz’s comprehensive Kleist biography traces the life of a poet who had many difficulties, ee but most of all with himself. During the politically tumultuous era of the Napoleonic wars Kleist restlessly sought for his life’s calling. But once he had found it in literature, his contemporaries refused to recognize him and so he took his own life. e Kleist, shy as he was, tended to cover the tracks of his life. Since his fame increased only gradually after his death, for many years other people also paid little attention to him. Where did this man who searched for love actually find it? What drove him to travel repeatedly? Did he serve as an he agent in the struggle against Napoleon? Was Goethe the overpowering figure he strove to surpass? And finally, what does his oeuvre – which is the reason we take an interest in him – have to do with all of this? Gerhard Schulz provides answers to these questions without succumbing to the many conjectures and legends surrounding Kleist to this day. The result is a lively and descriptive story that spans the arc of a life, from the poet’s youth in Prussia to the demise of “pauvre Henri Kleist” near Potsdam. Germans took their time about recognizing Kleist’s mastery. Happily, however, their appetite for it has grown keener and continues unabated to this day. The purpose of this biography is to accommodate such demand. Biography Gerhard Schulz is professor emeritus of German language and literature at the University of Melbourne. He is one of the top authorities on German literature between 1770 and 1830 and is the author of the two-volume standard work entitled „Die deutsche Literatur zwischen Französi- scher Revolution und Restauration“ (1789-1830) („German Literature between the French Revolu- tion and the Restoration“: 1789-1830). 608 pages, 35 illustrations, clothbound, EUR 29.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 14

12 C.H.BECK

Hans-Joachim Maaz Die Liebesfalle K Spielregeln für eine neue Beziehungskultur In The Love Trap Game Rules for a New Relationship Culture Following his best-selling The Lilith Complex here is the new book by Hans-Joachim Maaz. How The can we release emotional blockage in our relationships and find our way to a new relationship Gad culture characterized by honesty and candor? exc the Love. Often that means not only passion and positive feelings, but also entanglement and profound con disappointment due to expectations that remain unfulfilled. The love trap always snaps shut when upg one of the partners is used to work off pain that has been experienced, and the relationship amplifies the effects of existing dysfunctions. In r inte In this book, well-known psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Hans-Joachim Maaz shows how to escape sch from the love trap. In his opinion, the key lies in cultivating a relationship that includes, for to e example: anti reflecting on one’s own state of being som feeling first, and then acting communicating candidly Epi having the courage to make clear declarations and statements only listening without exerting pressure Hei always remaining willing to negotiate The The author’s new book is full of assurance. A spirited relationship can become a source of ongoing Han dynamic development for both partners, providing them with a deep sense of satisfaction that a re transcends consumption and the pressure to succeed. in t con

Psychology Hans-Joachim Maaz is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. He is chief physician in the atte Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine at the Diakoniekrankenhaus in Halle. C. H. Beck published his „Der Lilith-Komplex. Die dunklen Seiten der Mütterlichkeit“ („The Lilith Complex.The Dark Sides of Motherliness“: 2004). 240 pages, softcover, EUR 14.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 15

C.H.BECK 13

Hans Krämer Kritik der Hermeneutik Interpretationsphilosophie und Realismus A Critique of Hermeneutics The Philosophy of Interpretation and Realism The purpose of this book is to call into question the “hermeneutic turn” in philosophy. Hans-Georg Gadamer altered the concept of hermeneutics in such a way that today it is construed almost exclusively in an antirealist sense. This book opens a contra account, addressing the arguments of the hermeneuticists and the philosophers of interpretation in a detailed critical analysis. As a nd consequence, the concepts of “reality,” “experience,” “argument” and “knowledge” are once more n upgraded. fies In recent years, philosophical hermeneutics and the adjacent, more far-reaching philosophy of interpretation have been able to gain support by the majority of German philosophers and humanist pe scholars and some areas of analytical philosophy. A critical discussion has nevertheless either failed to emerge or remained at a rudimentary stage. Instead, one of their basic premises, namely, antirealism, has been accepted as dogma: we always and necessarily understand and interpret something differently than the subject to be interpreted actually is. Epistemology, therefore, appeared to be placed on a new foundation that had traditionally played only a subordinate role. Antirealism was established as binding only through Nietzsche and Heidegger, thereby becoming a major determinant of Gadamer’s approach. The questions of phenomenological attestation and provability have not been exhaustively discussed. g Hans Krämer’s study presents a continuative analysis of the interpretive approach and recommends a return to realism. In this respect, he concurs with the representatives of realism who are involved in the discussion on the Continent and in America. His specific contribution lies in his direct confrontation of the hermeneutic and interpretive movements and their relevant arguments. Special Philosophy attention is given to the historical sciences. Hans Krämer was professor of philosophy at the University of Tübingen until 1994. He is an honorary citizen of Syracuse, Sicily, the City of Plato, and a member of the Accademia Pontaniana in Naples. He has authored numerous works on ancient philosophy, ethics, hermeneutics, the theory of the historical sciences and aesthetics.They include Platone e i fondamenti della metafisica (Plato and the Foundations of Metaphysics) (2001) und Integrative Ethik (Integrative Ethics) (1995). 240 pages, softcover, EUR 19.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 16

14 C.H.BECK

Dietmar Herz Die Amerikaner im Krieg Bericht aus dem Irak im vierten Kriegsjahr The Americans at War A Report from Iraq in the Fourth Year of P the War For several weeks during the winter of 2006/07 Dietmar Herz was one of the few European Thi journalists in Iraq. His unsparing report on the situation of American troops and the chaotic ting condition of the country offer a one-of-a-kind look behind the scenes depicted in the official has communiqués. poli com In April 2003 President George W. Bush ceremoniously announced the end of the Iraq War. But to gy t this day the United States have retained a presence of more than 130,000 troops in the Land of the Two Rivers. Their number is slated to keep rising. The number of casualties is rising as well. An Ma uncanny war of an entirely new type is in full swing. Dietmar Herz tells of the constant fear and reco daily boredom of American soldiers. He reveals why private security companies, militias and para- fou military organizations are growing ever more powerful. He discusses the role that the trauma of use Vietnam plays for American soldiers even today, and explains which strategies the Americans will “Isl employ to halt the various Iraqi civil wars and prevent the country from disintegrating. Not least, he is a reports his own experiences as an “embedded journalist” who shared every aspect of day-to-day Wit Politics military life with the soldiers and was permitted to accompany them on extremely dangerous missions. But this book amounts to more than just war coverage. Dietmar Herz is a master at repeatedly interweaving background information on the history of the conflict and thereby allowing apparently insignificant details to tell their story. Dietmar Herz is professor of comparative government at the University of Erfurt. C. H. Beck published his “Palästina” (“Palestine”: 2003) and “Die Europäische Union” (“The European Union”: 2002). 160 pages, 30 illustrations, hardcover, EUR17.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 17

C.H.BECK 15

Hans Maier of Politische Religionen Political Religions This second volume of Hans Maier’s Collected Works is a compilation of his most important wri- tings on political theology and the political religions. Almost no other German thinker since 1945 has embraced with comparable intensity the question of religion’s potential and actual effect on politics in the modern world. In this book the author justifies his rejection of the demand for a comprehensive politization of the church, and he also substantiates his criticism of a political theolo- o gy that attempts to derive unified political action among believers from their unity of faith. he Maier’s contributions on the analysis of political religions have also garnered international recognition, even more so than his liberal plea for political plurality. In essays that have become - foundational for the topic, the author investigates the patterns of religious interpretation that were used to explain the totalitarianisms of the 20th century. At the same time, he makes it clear why “Islamism” should not be prematurely equated with communism and fascism because it, by contrast, he is a real religion. With an epilogue by Michael Burleigh. Politics Hans Maier holds a doctorate in philosophy as ng well as numerous honorary doctorates. He began as a professor of political science at the University of Munich in 1962 and was Bavarian State Minister for Education and Culture from 1970 to 1986. Since 1999 he has been professor emeritus of Christian ideology, religion and cultural theory (the Guardini Chair) at the University of Munich. C. H. Beck published his „Klassiker des politischen Denkens“ („Classical Texts of Political Thought“). 448 pages, clothbound, EUR 39.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 18

16 C.H.BECK

Meister Eckhart Das Buch der göttlichen Tröstung The Book of Divine W Consolation Zw Edited and translated by Kurt Flasch Meister Eckhart’s Book of Divine Consolation represents one of the most important texts of the Rel Middle Ages. It teaches how to overcome suffering by dealing with it through a philosophical / fun spiritual approach. For this edition Kurt Flasch has prepared a new translation of the famous book auth of comfort, which he elucidates in a detailed epilogue. also The Book of Divine Consolation shows Meister Eckhart as a great speculative thinker. In this book In r he presents his theme, namely, the unity of the just with justice, in a simplified vernacular. The text fan establishes him as an insightful master of life who understands how to offer comfort using short sam aphorisms and examples. Meister Eckhart sent the book of consolation to Agnes of Hungary, daugh- goo ter of the murdered King Albrecht I von Habsburg. In 1301 she lost her husband, in 1308 her royal amo father and in 1313 her mother. The actual date of origin probably falls in the decade between 1313 The and 1323. tho The first part of the tract outlines Eckhart’s metaphysics. He explains mankind’s “son-of-godship” as Incl the true foundation of consolation. The second part compiles thirty grounds for consolation, and the Gra short third section discusses people whose good examples can bestow “various kinds of comfort.” Leh Eckhart himself, as well as those who prosecuted him in the Inquisition trial, closely connects the Sch Book of Divine Consolation with his sermon On the Noble Man. This edition contains both texts. Wen The original Middle High German text faces a new translation by Kurt Flasch, so that the reader gains a direct impression of Meister Eckhart’s exceptional language. Kurt Flasch is professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Bochum. Most recently C. H. Beck published his „Meister Eckhart. Die Geburt der Deutschen Mystik aus dem Geist der arabischen Philosophie“ („Meister Eckhart.The Birth of German Mysticism out of the Spirit of Arabian Philosophy“: 2006). 128 pages, 1 illustration, hardcover, EUR 14.90 Religion / Philosophy FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 19

C.H.BECK 17

Uwe Justus Wenzel, editor Was ist eine gute Religion? Zwanzig Antworten What Is a Good Religion? Twenty Answers

Religion is susceptible to ideology. But it is not the same as ideology. It doesn’t have to become fundamentalist, although it can. What is a “good” religion, what is a “bad” one? Here, eighteen k authors who for years have occupied themselves with religious beliefs– intellectually and partially also in a practice – pursue answers to these questions. k In recent times religions have once again taught us the meaning of fear. They can become intolerant, xt fanatical, vainglorious, cantankerous and violent. But religions don’t have to be “bad.” One and the same religion can preach violence and also advocate peaceful coexistence. When is a religion good, gh- good for its own followers and for others? In this book a wide array of writers pursue this question, yal among them theologians, philosophers, religious scholars, psychologists, sociologists and authors. 13 They are all united in the conviction that no religion can be called good that prohibits freedom of thought about good and bad religion. ” as Includes a contributions by: Karen Armstrong, Jan Assmann, Michael von Brück, Friedrich Wilhelm the Graf, Arno Gruen, Susanne Heine, Bischof Wolfgang Huber, Navid Kermani, Karl Kardinal ” Lehmann, Mark Lilla, Hermann Lübbe, Paul Mendes-Flohr, Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad, Gerhard Schulze, Robert Spaemann, Jochen Teuffel, Michael Theunissen, Christoph Türcke, and Uwe Justus . Wenzel. Religion Uwe Justus Wenzel was born in 1959. He is the humanities editor of the feuilleton section at Neue Zürcher Zeitung. 128 pages, hardcover, EUR 14.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 20

18 C.H.BECK

Johannes Fried D Ei Zu Gast im Mittelalter Visiting the Middle Ages Johannes Fried numbers among the most influential medieval historians of our times. No other Kno medievalist reads against the grain of customary historical interpretation as thoroughly, no other jour scholar of the Middle Ages searches so stubbornly for the historical reality behind the sources. His cold brilliant style and his outstanding scholarship have established his reputation far beyond the und boundaries of his field. A s Johannes Fried has now published a volume of essays that demonstrates impressively how a different nak kind of medieval studies can exist in between “scholarship and fantasy.” This is exemplified by his scie recreation of a banquet at the court of Charlemagne. While his description adheres closely to the our sources, his writing leads into the fascinating center of the medieval world. But Johannes Fried is professor of medieval history at them the University of Frankfurt. In 1995 he was awarded Ast the prize of the Historisches Kolleg (Society of revo German Historians) and in 2006 he received the exp Sigmund Freud Award for his research. C. H. Beck fasc History published his „Aufstieg aus dem Untergang“ desc („Rising from Perdition“: 2001) and „Der Schleier der Erinnerung“ („The Veil of Memory“: 2004). 288 pages, hardcover, EUR 24.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 21

C.H.BECK 19

Günther Hasinger Das Schicksal des Universums Eine Reise vom Anfang zum Ende The Destiny of the Universe A Journey from the Beginning to the End Known for his brilliant lectures, renowned astrophysicist Günther Hasinger takes the reader on a journey through time from the beginning of the universe almost exactly 13.7 billion years ago to its s cold, dark end sometime in distant eternity. This book is excellent, it is written to be equally understandable by the layman and features four-color illustrations throughout. A starry sky fascinates us time and again. For centuries the 6,000 stars that can be seen with the rent naked eye on a clear night represented our entire cosmos, “everything there is in the world.” As s scientific knowledge progressed, however, the universe grew ever larger. Today, we realize that even our largest telescopes will always see only a minute section of the immense expanses of the universe. But the deeper we gaze into outer space, the earlier are the phases of the cosmos that reveal themselves. With every new insight we open the door to the unknown a little bit wider. Astrophysics and cosmology are currently experiencing a “golden age” that is fundamentally revolutionizing our understanding of time and space, the origin and future of our universe and the exploration of our cosmic home. Astrophysicist Günther Hasinger not only makes the new, fascinating insights about our universe accessible to the reader through his colorful writing, he also describes the methods employed in astrophysics and the human aspects of exploring outer space. Günther Hasinger was born in 1954 and is director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching. Before finding his way into extraterrestrial research he played bass guitar in the Munich rock group “Saffran.” In addi- tion to his activities as an internationally renowned scientist, Günther Hasinger holds an honorary professorship at the Technical University of Munich and is a member of the Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften (Berlin Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities). In 2005 he was awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation). 288 pages, 50 illustrations (40 in color), hardcover, EUR 22.90 Natural Sciences Natural FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 22

20 C.H.BECK

Eckart Voland Die Natur des Menschen Grundkurs Soziobiologie D The Nature of the Human La Being A Basic Course in Sociobiology It is precisely in human culture that the nature of mankind becomes apparent. With his courage for The trenchant exposition, Eckart Voland conveys the fundamental insights of the young and exciting auth science of sociobiology in an entertaining style. and resu Times change and humans adapt their behavior to altered circumstances. They prove capable of this learning, but are they also teachable? Sociobiology, which has discovered the social animal within rive human beings, teaches us to be skeptical about all too lofty expectations for mankind’s developmen- tal potential. Humans learn only what they are supposed to learn, in other words, they learn what The long evolutionary processes have selected as worth learning. Rie con In 18 concise chapters renowned sociobiologist Eckart Voland describes which criteria and mou mechanisms determine such selection. What is the origin of human inclinations such as compassion, that magnanimity and solidarity which should not exist at all according to a naïve (and erroneous) the understanding of evolution? How are we to explain our preference for monogamous marriage? Why land is reproductive success not necessarily dependent on the number of progeny? And how does one cou explain that we are incapable of lasting happiness? “Ga Eckart Voland is professor of philosophy of the loca biological sciences at the University of Giessen’s Zentrum für Philosophie und Grundlagen der The Wissenschaft (Center for Philosophy and the the Foundations of Science). the 144 pages, hardcover, EUR 17.90 the Sociobiology

Fur Ges Ges into (Th FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 23

C.H.BECK 21

Hansjörg Küster Die Elbe Landschaft und Geschichte The Elbe Landscape and History or The Elbe represents both, nature and civilization. Hansjörg Küster is a renowned ecologist and the author of widely admired books on subjects such as The History of Landscape in Central Europe and The Baltic Sea. In this richly illustrated volume he recounts the story of the Elbe, a river that resulted from many natural factors as well as numerous changes that were produced by humans. In this respect we must think not only in terms of cities and architectural monuments, but also locks, river course alterations, harbors and mill weirs. en- t The word “Elbe,” linguists inform us, simply means “river.” It emerges as a small stream from the Riesengebirge, the highest of the Central European Uplands which are located near the center of the continent. The stream soon swells and has already reached the size of a river by the time it leaves the mountains. In order to reach Saxony from Bohemia it breaks through curious mountain formations on, that have repeatedly been a source of artistic inspiration. Famous castles and cities are reflected in the Elbe, Castle Schreckenstein and the Bastei, Dresden, Meissen and Wittenberg. Famous park Why landscapes line its banks, in Saxony and likewise near Wörlitz and Dessau. Below Magdeburg the course of the Elbe varied widely over the millennia. Finally, after passing through Hamburg, the “Gateway to the World,” it literally makes a flowing transition into the North Sea – the exact location is hard to determine. The Elbe has important tributaries which are also introduced, in particular the Moldau in Prague, the Eger, the Saale together with the Unstrut, and the Havel with the Spree. Berlin also belongs to the Elbe region – without its connection to the Elbe the city could have achieved its rapid growth in the Modern Age. Hansjörg Küster is professor of plant ecology at the Geobotanical Institute of the University of Hannover. 352 pages, 100 color illustrations, hardcover, EUR 29.90

Further publications with C. H. Beck Verlag: Geschichte der Landschaft in Mitteleuropa (History of Landscape in Central Europe: 1999), Geschichte des Waldes (History of Forests: 2003) translated into Italian by Bollati Boringhieri and into Korean by Yang Moon Publishing, Die Ostsee (The Baltic Sea: 2002) and Das ist Ökologie (This Is Ecology: 2005). History of Landscape FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 24

22 C.H.BECK

Werner Hofmann D Ro Degas und sein Jahrhundert Degas and His Century In his new book Werner Hofmann presents a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking work Ber of painter, graphic artist and photographer Edgar Degas. Generously illustrated with more than rep 200 reproductions, this volume guides the reader through the painter’s visual world. Its formal an a innovations, realism and disclosure of both the light and dark sides of modern society point far into Tog the future of 20th century art. In the process Werner Hofmann succeeds in conveying surprising new – th insights into even the best known of Degas’ works. Elsa At h Although Edgar Degas (1834 – 1917) participated regularly in the group exhibitions of the alre Impressionists, he struck off on his own path from the very start. He countered the harmonious exp sense of reality espoused by his painter colleagues with his own tension-filled depictions of social life. Exposing the crumbling world of the bourgeoisie and its human relationships, he moved toward In t the margins of society where his artistic eye was attracted primarily by female forms: women betw ironing, milliners, dancers and prostitutes. Degas depicts them alone and at work, portraying their with adorned, spent, commercially exploited and only occasionally liberated bodies. The human isolation and alienation he explores correspond to his formal experiments where he breaks open rigid spatial arrangements that have been structured around a central perspective. Repeatedly, Werner Hofmann allows the bourgeois story of Degas’ life to inform this trenchant, discerning analysis. At the same time, he determines the position of Degas’ artistic development within the greater movements of the 19th century, with David, Ingres, Delacroix, Courbet and the works of the Impressionists numbering among the most important reference points for comparative study. This approach sheds light on lines of tradition but above all on the innovative power of Degas’ art. As a counterpart to Cézanne it opens an alternative path into the 20th century. From 1960 to 1969 Werner Hofmann served as founding director of the Museum of the 20th Century in Vienna.He was director of the Kunst- halle in Hamburg until 1990. 320 pages, 240 illustrations (140 in color), clothbound, EUR 68.00

Other books published by C. H. Beck: Das entzweite Jahrhundert. Kunst zwischen 1750 und 1830 (The Divided Century. Art between 1750 and 1830: 1995), Die Moderne im Rückspiegel. Hauptwe- ge der Kunstgeschichte (Modernism in Retrospect. Key Approaches in Art History: 1998). Art History / Biography FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 25

C.H.BECK 23

Björn Kern Die Erlöser AG Roman The Savior A Novel k Berlin in the near future. Tumult erupts during a Federal news conference. Paragraph 216 has been repealed: from now on killing on demand will not be prosecuted! It is also here that Paul Kungebein, an ambitious young editor, meets Hendrik Miller, a senior physician at Berlin Charité Hospital. nto Together they found an agency that affords the demented from Berlin’s old age ghetto a gentle death ew – through actively assisted suicide. The first patient is the touchingly portrayed, near-centenarian Elsa Lindström. Over white wine and salmon Miller and Kungebein extol their humanitarian deeds. At home, Kungebein lovingly attends to his demented father Victor. Hendrik Miller, however, is already thinking ahead. The doctor would also like to save patients who are no longer capable of expressing their desire for death … ard In this brilliantly written and grotesquely comic novel, Björn Kern develops an irresistible scenario between love and suffering – exciting, full of provocative images that will not let the reader go, and r with an unexpected ending. A highly topical novel that will leave no one cold. on Björn Kern was born in 1978 in Lörrach and was al employed in a psychiatric nursing home in southern France. His debut work KIPPpunkt (TIPPingpoint: dtv 2001) was followed by a highly acclaimed novel „Einmal noch Marseille“ („Marseille. Once More“: e 2005) which was published by C. H. Beck. Björn ve Kern has received numerous prizes and awards, most recently the Heinrich Heine Scholarship. He Literature lives in South Baden and Berlin. 256 pages, hardcover, EUR 17.90

0 we- FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 26

24 C.H.BECK

Jochen Schmidt Meine wichtigsten Körperfunktionen My Most Important Body Sc Functions “It would be hard for me to imagine a life without my body. I’m indebted to it for everything I “Hi know about the world. Granted, most of its attributes are annoying. But I wouldn’t want to do any without them because they provide variety and, conceivably, they’re the only thing about me that irre might be original.” Jochen Schmidt Ern “When I was born my mother fainted; accordingly, I’ve always had a distinctly guilty conscience.” A indi person who enters the world under circumstances like that has been dealt a bad hand. In these 32 bus new texts Jochen Schmidt – as lonely as a samurai warrior and brave as Don Quixote – investigates war possibilities for finding happiness in spite of neurosis and the ignorance of one’s contemporaries. less Over the course of this exploration many a weakness or supposedly useless habit turns out to be an cut important bodily function, and even critical to survival: when a suicide fails at the last minute them because one thinks that it wouldn’t be nice to be found in a messy apartment, and the cyanide cap- The sule gets swapped for a dust cloth. Or when you no longer need to look at ugly people in the street and because your eyesight has kindly diminished. But this book also offers helpful answers to major and Wes minor questions of life. The consequences of taking a candy wrapper seriously when it bears the insa name “Take Two.” Why coffins provide so much unnecessary clearance for air. How to prevent ther insomnia, what Ralf has to do with Michael Schumacher, and what Yin and Yang have to do with each other. From A as in Autism, F as in Forgetfulness, to O for Options Paralysis, My Most Important Bodily Functions is a helpful accolade to the vices. And it is no mean art the way Jochen Schmidt allows Literature readers to recognize themselves in this highly personal hodge-podge – and ultimately also moves them to laugh at themselves. Jochen Schmidt was born in 1970 in Berlin and has an academic background in computer science, and German and Romance literature. Every week he holds a reading at “Chaussee der Enthusiasten” in Berlin (www.enthusiasten.de). In addition, he works as a translator from the French and Catalonian and writes travel guides. In 1999 he received a prize at the open mike contest sponsored by Literatur- WERKstatt Pankow, and in 2004 he was awarded the Förderpreis Komische Literatur (Career Grant for Humorous Literature). 148 pages, softcover, EUR 16.00

C. H. Beck published a collection of his stories entitled Triumphgemüse (Triumph Vegetables: 2000) and the novel Müller haut uns raus (Müller Is Kicking Us Out: 2002). FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 27

C.H.BECK 25

Ernst Augustin Schönes Abendland The West “His narrative style is unique, traumatic, hypnotic and intoxicatingly disturbing. I wouldn’t know any other contemporary author who can pull the rug out from underneath the reader as quickly and irresistibly.” Dieter Hildebrandt, Die Zeit Ernst Augustin’s novel in three parts recounts the parallel biographies of triplets, told by each one ” A individually and following the “Hans in Luck” model. Stani, the merchant, begins his sharp-edged business endeavors at an early age and winds up with an empire of obscenely overflowing es warehouses. Kulle climbs the decoration-draped career ladder of the military and manages more or less tragically to become a general. Beffchen, finally, reaches for the surgeon’s scalpel masterfully to an cut herself a swath through the entire complex of medicine, right up to the last incision. All three of them pursue a strategy of inexorable decline through the landscapes and centuries of the West. p- The entertainingly malicious biographies of the triplets contain an entire history of Western culture et and mores on a gargantuan scale. Here we see the lavish beauty and brilliant inventive spirit of the nd West, into which “Mama” has delivered her triplets, but also its militarism, colonialism and the insatiability of its human beings. – The cycle of wonder about birth and death, and where to from there? h Born in 1927, Ernst Augustin is a physician specializing in neurology and psychiatry. He was ly active in the developing world for many years and

later held a position as a psychiatric evaluator in Literature Munich. He has authored a considerable number of novels including „Der Kopf“ („The Head“), „Raum- licht“ („A Light in the Room“: C. H. Beck 2004), „Mahmud, der Bastard“ („Mahmud the Bastard“: C. H. Beck 2003), „Gutes Geld“ („Good Money“), and, most recently, „Die Schule der Nackten“ („The Nude School“: C. H. Beck 2003), a collection of sto- ries „Der Künzler am Werk“ („Künzler at Work“: C. H. Beck 2004), the new edition of „Eastend“ (C. H. Beck 2005), „Der amerikanische Traum“ („The American Dream“: C. H. Beck 2006) and „Badehaus Zwei“ („Bath House“ II: C. H. Beck 2006). Ernst Augustin is a member of the German Academy for Language and Literature and the 00) Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts. He is a recipient of the following literary awards: Hermann Hesse Prize; Kleist Prize;Tukan Prize; Literature Prize of the City of Munich. 439 pages, hardcover, EUR 22.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 28

26 C.H.BECK

D

The Dirk von Petersdorff maj this Com Lebensanfang hist The Beginning of Life Anyone who has children knows how they turn life upside down, how everything starts from the beginning again as if there had been a big bang. It is not only the children who at any one time are discovering their senses and the world in different and always exciting ways. Their parents also begin life anew. They are reminded of their own childhood and assume new responsibility. Along with their children they begin to view everything with wonder and to acquire language again. But up to a certain point they also sacrifice themselves. In a sense, their lives as the scene of self-fulfillment are over, they pass their lives on to their children. In his autobiographical story The Beginning of Life Dirk von Petersdorff, father of twins Max and Luise, uses precise, compact and aesthetic language to describe how this process unfolds in his own life and that of his wife and children. He succeeds in building the linguistic and intellectual bridge between the smallest objects in the world of children and adults and the deepest questions of meaning. It is a bridge we must all cross if we remain wide awake. And The Beginning of Life is a book that does remain acutely aware, a moving, colorful and smart tale about the first years of a child’s life and the years of newness in the lives of parents. It presents an abundance of lively, funny, touching, graphic scenes, subtle reflections, dreams and memories. The Beginning of Life is a special piece of contemporary literature and much more, as well. A book for everyone who lives with, or would like to live with, children. Dirk von Petersdorff was born in 1966 and lives D and works in Saarbrücken. His list of publications Literature includes „Wie es weitergeht“, Gedichte („How Things Will Continue“, Poems: 1992), „Zeitlösung“, Gedichte („Time Solution“, Poems: 1995), „Verlore- The ne Kämpfe“ („Lost Struggles“, Essays: 2001), role „Bekenntnisse und Postkarten“, Gedichte („Confes- the sions and Postcards“, Poems: 2001), and „Die Teufel only in Arezzo“, Gedichte („The Devils in Arezzo“, bey Poems: 2004).Among other prizes he has been awarded the Förderpreis des Literarischen März (The Literary March Fellowship) (1991), the Kleist Prize (1998) and the LiteraTour Nord Prize (2000). In 1999 he held the Liliencron Lectureship at the University of Kiel. 160 pages, hardcover, EUR 17.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 29

C.H.BECK 27

Matthias Köckert Die Zehn Gebote The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments number among the best known passages of the Bible. They have had a major impact on our cultural history. We owe them our weekly rhythm and weekly day of rest. To this day politicians invoke this basic human law. Matthias Köckert explores the origins of the Ten Commandments, sheds light on their original meaning and introduces the important stations in the history of their impact on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Matthias Köckert is professor of the Old Testament at the University of Berlin. 128 pages, EUR 7.90 re

up nt d wn a ny, ial Jürgen Sarnowsky Der Deutsche Orden The German Order

The German order was founded during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land and plays an eminent Paperbacks role in German history because Prussia was a principality of the Order. Jürgen Sarnowsky recounts the fascinating story of the order of knights from its beginnings to the present day. He describes not only its political role but also its spirituality and cultural and economic significance which reach far beyond Germany. Jürgen Sarnowsky is professor of medieval history at the University of Hamburg. He sits on the board of the Hansischer Geschichtsverein (Hanseatic Historical Society) and is a member of the Internationale Historische Kommission zur Erforschung des Deutschen Ordens (International Historical Commission for the Study of the German Order), among other organizations. 128 pages, EUR 7.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 30

28 C.H.BECK Rudolf Simek Die Edda Germanische Götter- und Heldenlieder The Edda Germanic Songs of Gods and Heroes D The term „Edda“ refers to two entirely different 13th century collections. The first, the Poetic Edda, is a collection of epic songs about gods and heroes and revolves around stories (such as the fall of the Nibelungs) that can date back as far as the age of the Völkerwanderung. The second, the so- K called Prose Edda by the Icelandic scholar, poet and politician Snorri Sturluson (1178/9 – 1241), is a handbook for poets that quite incidentally passes down many of the known stories about the gods of Nordic mythology. Rudolf Simek introduces both of the Eddas along with the sagas of gods and heroes they contain. Rudolf Simek is professor of medieval German and Scandinavian literature at the University of Thi Bonn. end 128 pages, EUR 7.90 cen futu dire Joh

Niklas Holzberg Ovids Metamorphosen D Ovid’s Metamorphoses

Paperbacks This informative and entertaining introduction to Ovid’s Metamorphoses sheds light on the backdrop of the work within its epoch. The author categorizes the work within literary traditions, explains the structure of the text, introduces many of the stories it includes, and offers a concise overview of the Metamorphoses’ textual transmission and long-term impact. Niklas Holzberg is professor of classical philology D at the University of Munich. C. H. Beck published his „Ovid. Leben und Werk“ („Ovid. His Life and Work“: 2005), „Catull. Der Dichter und sein eroti- sches Werk“ („Catullus.The Poet and His Erotic Writing“: 2003), „Applaus für Venus. Die 100 schön- sten Liebesgedichte der Antike“ („Applause for Venus.The 100 Most Beautiful Love Poems of Antiquity“: 2004) and „Virgil. Dichter und Werk“ („Virgil.The Poet and His Work“: 2006). 128 pages, EUR 7.90 D FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 31

C.H.BECK 29

Johannes Deckers Die frühchristliche und byzantinische da, f Kunst s a s Early Christian and d Byzantine Art This volume recounts the history of art from the dedication of Constantinople in the year 330 to the end of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. Throughout the entire Mediterranean region up to the 8th century Christian pictorial art and architecture developed forms that would set standards for the future history of European art. In the centuries that followed, art in Byzantium took a different direction than in Western Europe, but it radiated far beyond the borders of the Byzantine Empire. Johannes Decker provides a knowledgeable and descriptive introduction to this fascinating epoch. Until his retirement Johannes Deckers was professor of Byzantine art history at the University of Munich. 128 pages, 40 illustrations (16 in color), EUR 7.90

Andreas Tönnesmann Die Kunst der Renaissance • The Art of the Renaissance

136 pages, 42 illustrations (16 in color), EUR 7.90 Paperbacks , Tonio Hölscher Die griechische Kunst • Greek Art

127 pages, 84 illustrations (11 in color), EUR 7.90 Italien Translation rights sold to Einaudi.

Paul Zanker Die römische Kunst • Roman Art

127 pages, 82 illustrations (5 in color), EUR 7.90 Italian Translation rights sold to Bollati Boringhieri FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 32

30 C.H.BECK

Dieter Mehl G Shakespeares Hamlet Shakespeare’s Hamlet Shakespeare’s Hamlet is not only one of the greatest texts of world literature, but also a modern Hel myth that was elaborated by subsequent centuries and continues to rivet our attention today. Dieter anc Mehl’s informed, accessibly written book introduces the text and its central motifs. In addition, the trad author explains the origins of the material, comments on theatrical practice during Shakespeare’s and times and provides an overview of the drama’s long production history on the stage, for the cinema anti and television. Dieter Mehl is professor emeritus of English literature at the University of Bonn. From 1993 to 2002 he presided over the Deutsche Shakespeare- Gesellschaft (German Shakespeare Society). 128 pages, EUR 7.90

Jörg Klinger Die Hethiter Geschichte – Gesellschaft – Kultur The Hittites D History – Society – Culture

Paperbacks Jörg Klinger has written a compact historical account of one of the most important peoples of Asia Anc Minor. He discusses the origins of the Hittite language and culture, describes the rise of the Hittites bac in the 2nd century B.C. under kings Hattusili I and Mursili I, and presents an overview of the course layo of Hittite history. This book sheds light on the characteristic traits of Hittite rule, society, law and poin religion as well as the Hittites’ historical aftereffect and cultural continuities. con Jörg Klinger is professor of ancient Oriental studies at the University of Berlin. 128 pages, 5 illustrations and maps, EUR 7.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 33

C.H.BECK 31

Helmuth Schneider Geschichte der antiken Technik History of Ancient Technology Helmuth Schneider explains the historical origins of technology in Egypt, Greece, Rome and the er ancient Orient. He describes technological developments in the fields of agriculture, mining, the he trades, construction, transportation, infrastructure, communications, mechanics, time measurement and military affairs. The book concludes with a chapter on specialized technical literature in ma antiquity. Helmuth Schneider is professor of ancient history at the University of Kassel. 128 pages, 15 illustrations, EUR 7.90

Michael Maaß Das antike Delphi Ancient Delphi

ia Ancient Delphi is one of the most famous places of the ancient world. Michael Maaß reviews the Paperbacks es background of the Delphic oracle from a religious and cultural-historical perspective, explains the urse layout of the sacred precinct and describes the changes it underwent over the course of history. He points out the special archaeological features of the many structures that have been preserved and continue to impress thousands upon thousands of visitors every year in our times. Michael Maaß is professor of classical archaeology and chief conservator of the antiquities collection at the Badisches Landesmuseum (Baden State Museum) in Karlsruhe. 128 pages, 20 illustrations, EUR 7.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 34

32 C.H.BECK

Christian Geulen Geschichte des Rassismus G History of Racism This book offers an overview of the history of racist ideologies and practices from ancient times Thi to the present. Even though certain groups were already excluded in antiquity and the Middle Ages, Icel a cohesive history of racism only begins with the emergence of the concept of “race” and its itse application to human groups toward the end of the 15th century. From the age of European and expansion to the slave trade and the imperial, national and totalitarian contexts of the 19th and con 20th centuries, racism has steadily continued to develop. An end to its history remains unforeseeable. Christian Geulen is a junior professor at the University of Koblenz-Landau. 128 pages, EUR 7.90

Wolfgang Reinhard Geschichte des modernen Staates M Von den Anfängen bis zur Gegenwart U History of the Modern State From Inception to the Present

Paperbacks Using language that is equally compact and succinct, this book recounts the history of the modern In G state from its beginnings to present times. Wolfgang Reinhard points to the process of increasing illn state power, the subjugation of political competitors such as the aristocracy or the church, the info assertion of the state monopoly on the use of force and the accretion of state power to the point of path totalitarianism.His diagnosis is a general dissolution of the state beginning in the second half of the asp 20th century. A brilliant introduction to one of history’s most complex topics. cale Wolfgang Reinhard is professor emeritus of modern history at the University of Freiburg. C. H. Beck published his „Geschichte der Staatsge- walt“ („The History of State Authority“: 2002) and „Lebensformen Europas“ („European Lifestyles“: 2006). In 2003 he received the Deutscher Historiker- preis (German Historian Award) of the Historisches Kolleg (Society of German Historians). 128 pages, EUR 7.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 35

C.H.BECK 33

Harm G. Schröter Geschichte Skandinaviens History of Scandinavia This book provides an introductory overview of the history of Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, es, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) from earliest times to the 21st century. The North of Europe presents itself as an integrated social and cultural region that maintained intensive relationships with Europe and above all with Germany. The book’s primary focus is to outline the checkered and often conflict-laden history of these highly diverse countries. Harm G. Schröter is professor of history at the University of Bergen, Norway. 128 pages, EUR 7.90

Matthias Keidel Migräne Ursachen – Formen – Therapie Migraine Causes – Symptoms – Therapy

n In Germany alone some 8 million people suffer from migraine. The ever-recurring attacks of the Paperbacks illness cause a marked decrease in the quality of life. This volume is a knowledgeable source of information on the disease’s history, frequency, triggers, symptoms and phases, as well as its of pathogenesis, diagnosis, acute therapy and prophylaxis. The author devotes special attention to he aspects of migraine in women and children and has included a „migraine checklist“ and headache calendar in the appendix. Prof. Matthias Keidel is an M.D. and holds a graduate degree in psychology. He is chief physician at the neurological clinic of the Bayreuth Regional Hospital and the author of numerous medical publications on headaches and migraine. 128 pages, EUR 7.90 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 36

34 C.H.BECK

Stefan Rahmstorf and Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber E An Der Klimawandel Climate Change „Climate change is a dramatic but solvable problem. Overcoming it will be a baptism by fire for the ”Th emerging global society.“ Stefan Rahmstorf, Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber clim who “Everything you need to know about greenhouse earth can be found in readily understandable form lays in Stefan Rahmstorf and Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber’s new book … only 144 pages short, easy to Nor read and therefore especially worthwhile.” Bernhard Pötter, tageszeitung edg Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber is the founding hou director of the Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenfor- schung (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) and professor of theoretical physics at the University of Potsdam. Stefan Rahmstorf conducts research at the Pots- dam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) and is pro- fessor of oceanographic physics at the University of Potsdam. 5th updated edition, 144 pages, 25 illustrations and 2 charts, EUR 7.90 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 37

C.H.BECK 35

Peter Hennicke and Manfred Fischedick Erneuerbare Energien Anwendungen – Potenziale – Effizienz Renewable Energies Applications – Potentials – Efficiency the ”The future belongs to the renewable sources of energy: water, wind and sun.” As they confront climate change, more and more people agree with this view. But when does the energy future begin, who will start it and how? This book examines the discussion not only at the national level but also rm lays out the urgently necessary reversal of climate change within the tension-filled framework of North-South relations. The authors reach the conclusion that in the future many kinds of cutting- edge energy production and utilization can be brought back closer to the location of usage , i.e., households or businesses. Professor Peter Hennicke is president of the Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH. (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Inc.). Manfred Fischedick holds an advanced degree in engineering. He is vice president of the Wuppertal Institute and head of the Forschungsgruppe “Zukünftige Energie- und Mobilitätsstrukturen” (Research Group for Future Energy and Mobility Structures). 128 pages, EUR 7.90 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 38

36 C.H.BECK

Georg Bollenbeck Eine Geschichte der Kulturkritik D Von Rousseau bis Günther Anders G sche reihe A History of Cultural Criticism

beck From Rousseau to Günther Anders General decline, alienation and de-individualization, the domination of money, technology and the Vla media – these remain the themes of cultural critics to this day. And even though this intellectual poli tradition reaches back into antiquity, the true age of cultural criticism only began with the olig Enlightenment. As they search for a alternate, better kind of modernity, cultural critics recount sto- sha ries of loss. Georg Bollenbeck focuses his attention on the specific characteristics of this fascinating nee and underappreciated way of thinking which remains unbroken to the present day. He explores the rele spectrum of a provocative, ongoing commentary on the Modern Age, with all of its sharp-witted strin and problematical diagnoses of the times. for Georg Bollenbeck is professor of German an a literature and cultural science at the University of an e Siegen. His extensive list of publications includes “Bildung und Kultur” (“Education and Culture”: 1996),“Traditionsanspruch und Traditionsbruch” (“Cultural Aspiration and Cultural Discontinuity”4: 2002), and “Friedrich Schiller,” ed., with Lothar Ehr- lich (2007). 304 pages, EUR 14.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 39

C.H.BECK 37

Margareta Mommsen and Angelika Nußberger Das System Putin Gelenkte Demokratie und politische Justiz in Russland sche Putin’s System reihe Controlled Democracy and Political

Justice in Russia beck e Vladimir Putin assumed office with the promise of strengthening democracy in Russia. To this day politicians in the West still believe him. In reality, however, the nation is ruled by a clique of oligarchs. The judiciary has become the beadle of the Kremlin; parliament now only exists as a o- sham. Freedom of opinion is increasingly restricted and the political opposition is controlled as g needed or neutralized. Under Putin’s system, the question of “legal or illegal” no longer appears he relevant. The authors vividly depict how Russia is governed today – and above all who pulls the strings in which positions. They expose the intrigues and schemes of the mighty factions contending for power and wealth, and they show how Putin’s system exploits Russia’s long-standing tradition of an authoritarian state. The book concludes by asking which approaches and dynamics might offer an escape from “controlled democracy.” Margareta Mommsen is professor emerita of political science at the University of Munich. C. H. Beck published her „Wer herrscht in Russ- land?“ („Who Rules Russia?“: 2004). Angelika Nußberger is professor of public law and director of the Institut für Ostrecht (Institute for Eastern European Law) at the University of Cologne. 192 pages, 10 illustrations, EUR 12.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 40

38 C.H.BECK

Ulrich Sinn Die 101 wichtigsten Fragen Antike Kunst sche

reihe The 101 Most Important Questions S

beck Ancient Art What do we mean by Roman or Greek art? What kind of income did visual artists command? Did Joh monument preservation exist? How did works of art find buyers? What does it say in the “Canon of Car Polycletus”? How were statues copied? Did the Christian religion change ancient art? What did the Mo Colossus of Rhodes look like? What part of the Parthenon were they already praising in ancient In t times? Ulrich Sinn answers these and many other questions in knowledgeable and easily mu understandable terms. and Ulrich Sinn is professor of classical archaeology of t and director of the antiquities collection of the skil Martin von Wagner Museum at the University of hist Würzburg. Most recently C. H. Beck published his and „Olympia. Kult, Sport und Fest in der Antike“ („Olympia. Cult, Sports and Festival in Antiquity“: 2004) and „Athen. Geschichte und Archäologie“ („Athens. History and Archaeology“: 2004). 160 pages, 25 illustrations, EUR 9.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 41

C.H.BECK 39 sche

Nikolaus de Palézieux reihe Sternstunden der Musik

Great Moments in Music beck d Johann Sebastian Bach – Ludwig van Beethoven – Hector Berlioz – John Cage – Antonín Dvoøák – n of Carlo Gesualdo – Georg Friedrich Händel – György Ligeti – Gustav Mahler – Wolfgang Amadeus he Mozart – Gioacchino Rossini – Franz Schubert – Heinrich Schütz – Giuseppe Verdi In this exceptionally written, exciting book Nikolaus de Palézieux introduces us to the high points of music history. The works of important composers, from Carlo Gesualdo to Ludwig van Beethoven and from Johann Sebastian Bach to György Ligeti, are consistently portrayed against the backdrop of their personal destinies and the essential characteristics of their times. Through the author’s skillful strategy of presenting succinct, richly faceted portrayals and not restricting himself to music history, an understanding for the uniqueness of immortal works of art is awakened in the layman and deepened in the aficionado. Nikolaus de Palézieux holds a doctoral degree in musicology. He works as an independent author, translator and editor. 200 pages, 14 illustrations, EUR 9.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 42

40 C.H.BECK

Ursula Muscheler Haus ohne Augenbrauen Architekturgeschichten aus dem 20. Jahrhundert F sche reihe House without Eyebrows W Architectural Stories from the

beck 20th Century Fe In architecture, the 20th century was likewise a century of experimentation, constant new beginnings Elk and changing visions of a better future. Its new buildings were meant to anticipate a world with 1,0 greater human dignity or to serve as a mantle for social experiments. Ursula Muscheler tells the a w stories of twenty such buildings that were designed by the century’s great architects: Frank Lloyd com Wright and Adolf Loos, Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Hans exp Scharoun. Like Loos’s “House without Eyebrows” in Vienna, they all created a stir in their day and desc had a defining effect on future styles. This book allows the architects and builders to present their epo ideas and hopes, explains their innovations, and reports the generally ambivalent reactions of their contemporaries. Ursula Muscheler holds a doctoral degree in architecture and has headed an office for architecture and urban development in Düsseldorf since 1992. 224 pages, 25 illustrations, EUR 9.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 43

C.H.BECK 41

Elke Hartmann Frauen in der Antike sche

Weibliche Lebenswelten von Sappho bis Theodora reihe Women in Antiquity

Female Spheres of Life from Sappho to Theodora beck ngs Elke Hartmann has compiled a lively overview of the history of women during more than 1,000 years of Greek and Roman antiquity. For one thing she describes how contemporaries viewed a woman’s place, for another she shows the positions women actually held in the household, society, commerce, religion and philosophy, but also in politics. Finally, she discusses which activities and experiences are conceivable for women within these contexts. The author’s informative mixture of nd descriptive, individual examples combined with the interrelated spheres of women’s lives during each r epoch accounts for this book’s special appeal. r Elke Hartmann is professor of ancient history at the University of Berlin. 240 pages, 14 illustrations, EUR 12.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 44

42 C.H.BECK

Anna Eunike Röhrig Klug, schön und gefährlich G Die 100 berühmtesten Frauen der Weltgeschichte Vo Smart, Beautiful and sche reihe Dangerous The 100 Most Famous Women in

beck World History “Emancipation will only be complete when a totally incompetent woman someday rises to a position A s of responsibility.” Heidi Kabel sinc soci Women and men have contributed equally to history and culture, but historiography, which was eme shaped primarily by men, often trivialized or marginalized women’s share. This book dares to view Eur women and their lives from a “different perspective.” Clarified through key stations in the lives of Eur such diverse personalities as the Egyptian female pharaoh Hatshepsut, philosopher Hildegard von of s Bingen, artist Käthe Kollwitz, physicist Marie Curie or even a film icon like Marlene Dietrich, and readers gain new insights into the world of women – exciting, fascinating and often entirely different than expected. Anna Eunike Röhrig works as a translator, author and librarian at the Dombibliothek (Cathedral Library) in Hildesheim. Her most recent publication is „Frauen vom Hof der Welfen“ („Women of the Welf Court“: 2006). 144 pages, 50 illustrations, EUR 9.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 45

C.H.BECK 43

Eberhard Eichenhofer Geschichte des Sozialstaats in Europa Von der „sozialen Frage” bis zur Globalisierung History of the Social State in sche Europe reihe From the “Social Question” to

Globalization beck tion A sense of social obligation toward the elderly, the sick and the needy has been present in Europe since the Middle Ages. It was industrialization that spawned the social question and, in reaction, the social safety systems that have gained worldwide acceptance. Eberhard Eichenhofer describes the emergence of social states in Europe and shows above all how they have changed within the single w European market since the creation of the European Economic Community. He proves that a f European social state has become a reality in the meantime – through the cross-national integration of social benefit systems, basic social rights, employment policies, the fight against discrimination and additional matters. ent Eberhard Eichenhofer teaches social law at the University of Jena. His most recent publications were “Sozialrecht der EU” (“Social Law of the European Union”: 2006) and “Sozialrecht” (“Social Law”: 2007). 224 pages, EUR 12.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 46

44 C.H.BECK

Eve-Marie Engels

denker K Charles Darwin Ba Charles Darwin is the founder of the modern theory of evolution. In this book Eve-Marie Engels Ba provides a comprehensive and understandable introduction to Darwin’s theory of descent. In the sche

reihe process she also sheds light on the philosophical side of the famous natural scientist – primarily his understanding of morality as an essential human trait – which has received little attention to date. Drawing on the history of how his work developed and on posthumous sources, the author presents an introductory and simultaneously differentiated over-all view of Darwin’s body of thought.

beck Eve-Marie Engels holds the chair for ethics in the life sciences in the biology department of the University of Tübingen and is spokesperson for the Fro University’s Ethics Center. She has been a member Wa of the Federal Republic’s National Ethics Council two since 2001. thes 256 pages, 15 illustrations, EUR 14.95 sim

Thomas Mormann Bertrand Russell

Paperbacks Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970) was one of the founders of analytical philosophy. Many of his contributions were seminal for the development of philosophical logic, fundamental mathematical research, the philosophy of language, and metaphysics. In addition, he was one of the 20th century’s best-known intellectuals and took a stand on almost every important social and political issue. Thomas Mormann recounts the course of Russell’s life and provides an introduction to his many- faceted philosophical oeuvre. Thomas Mormann is a professor in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. He is the author of “Rudolf Carnap” (2000) in the series “Beck’sche Reihe: Denker.” 224 pages, 15 illustrations, EUR 14.95 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 47

C.H.BECK 45

Ulrich Pfisterer, editor Klassiker der Kunstgeschichte Band 1: Von Winckelmann bis Warburg Band 2: Von Panofsky bis Greenberg sche is Classical Texts of Art History reihe nts Vol. 1: From Winckelmann to Warburg

Vol. 2: From Panofsky to Greenberg beck From Johann Joachim Winckelmann, founder of modern art history, to Jacob Burckhardt, Aby Warburg, Erwin Panofsky and the great art historians of the post-war period, Ulrich Pfisterer’s two-volume work introduces the lives, work and impact of the most influential art historians. In these portraits established authorities provide an excellent introduction to art history while simultaneously conveying the most important concepts of art historiography. Ulrich Pfisterer is professor of art history at the University of Munich. Each: 224 pages, 10 illiustrations, EUR 12.95 Paperbacks ry’s FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 48

46 C.H.BECK

Rolf Reber Kleine Psychologie des Alltäglichen K 77 Lektionen, das Leben besser zu verstehen Ve A Brief Psychology of Ku sche reihe Everyday Life Understanding Life Better in Seventy

beck Seven Lessons The Logic of Falling in Love Four Ways to Ruin Your Marriage W On Raising Fighter Pilots and Children Thi Vicious Reward Circles orig Teamwork – Great, Somebody Else Will Do It! refi When Thinking Less Helps a Lot will The Tendency toward the Status Quo Res Better Third than Second and Horoscopus Pocus Digging in Rather Than Putting Off Becoming Happy! Every day life poses many questions. How can I say “no” at the right moment? Why do I always need more time for my projects than I originally estimated? Does watching violence make us violent? Are nursery schools harmful? Can I rely on my feelings when I make buying decisions? Does wisdom come with age? Drawing on recognized research studies the author answers these and more than 70 other questions that apply to daily life. His approach is to dispense with unnecessary theory and concentrate on issues of practical value for the reader. The result is that we understand our lives better and become more effective in our day-to-day affairs. Rolf Reber completed research fellowships in the USA and France and has been professor of

Paperbacks cognitive psychology at the University of Bergen, Norway, since 2003. He is a columnist for the Swiss periodical “Der Bund.” 152 pages, 10 illustrations, EUR 9.95 FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 49

C.H.BECK 47

Albert Schweitzer Kulturphilosophie Verfall und Wiederaufbau der Kultur Kultur und Ethik sche Cultural Philosophy reihe The Decline and Restoration of Culture

Culture and Ethics beck With an epilogue by Claus Günzler This newly appointed edition makes Albert Schweitzer’s main work accessible again under its original title. Here, Schweitzer for the first time developed his ethics of reverence for life, which he refined to the famous and still topical saying, „I am life which wills to live in the midst of life which wills to live.“ This publication comprises both volumes of his cultural philosophy, The Decline and Restoration of Culture as well as Culture and Ethics. A new epilogue explains the origin of the work and its relationship to the third volume which has been posthumously published in the interim. Albert Schweitzer, 1875 – 1965, enjoys worldwide renown as a theologian, philosopher, musicologist and specialist in tropical medicine. Many of his autobiographical and ethical writings ent? published by C. H. Beck have become best-sellers, dom for example, „Aus meiner Kindheit und Jugendzeit“ („Memoirs of Childhood and Youth“), „Kultur und ns Ethik“ („Culture and Ethics“) and „Zwischen Was- ser und Urwald“ („Between Water and Jungle“). me 384 pages, EUR 14.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 50

48 C.H.BECK

Florian Coulmas Die Gesellschaft Japans sche

reihe Arbeit, Familie und demografische Krise Japanese Society K

beck Work, Family and Demographic Crisis Nure ochiba, “wet fallen leaves” that stick to one’s shoes, was crowned the word of the year in Eve Japan. It refers to nasty, retired men who have nothing to do but sit home, lead aimless lives and win become problems for their families. ran look The Japanese are rich, lead secure, healthy lives and enjoy a high level of education. Nevertheless, Ital they are far from contented. Powerful forces – with aging and the globalization of markets leading stoo the pack – are pressuring the world’s second-largest economic power to make radical changes. The vici author examines the impact of these two developments on relations between the genders and asp generations, social networks, politics and the labor market, but also on societal norms and beliefs Cat about life and death. In order to maintain prosperity Japanese society must be restructured. An impressive look at a country undergoing rapid changes which in Germany are only slowly beginning to take shape. Florian Coulmas is director of the Deutsches Institut für Japanstudien (German Institute for Japanese Studies) in Tokyo. Most recently C. H. Beck published his „Die Kultur Japans“ („Japanese Civilization“: 2005), and „Hiroshima“ (2005). 272 pages, 8 illustrations, EUR 14.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 51

C.H.BECK 49 sche

Carlos Collado Seidel reihe Kleine Geschichte Kataloniens

Brief History of Catalonia beck Every year Catalonia attracts many thousands of visitors with its gorgeous beaches and magnificent wines. In addition, Catalonia possesses a rich trove of cultural treasures that begin in antiquity and range to Romanesque cloisters, buildings by Gaudi and the newly erected Dali museum. Taking a look at the country’s grand past is also rewarding. With its extensive possessions in southern France, Italy and the Aegean, Catalonia ruled the western Mediterranean for many centuries and confidently g stood its ground against the centralism dictated by Madrid. The present volume describes the e vicissitudes of Catalonian history: from the violent expulsion of the Moors to its great-power aspirations, and from the industrial boom in the 19th century up to the 21st century, where Catalonia is proving itself an extremely attractive autonomous region within Europe. ing Carlos Collado Seidel studied at the universities of Munich and Madrid.Today he is a private lecturer in modern history at the University of Marburg and a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics. 192 pages, 5 illustrations, EUR 11.95 Paperbacks FRN 2-07.qxp 20.08.2007 15:00 Uhr Seite 52

VERLAG C.H.BECK

Mrs. Susanne Simor Wilhelmstrasse 9 D – 80801 München

Phone: 49 (0) 89 381 89 228 Fax: 49 (0) 89 381 89 624 e-mail: [email protected]

Internet: http://www.beck.de