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Why the Germans Do It Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country is a 2020 book by British journalist John Kampfner.
 First edition | |
| Author | John Kampfner |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Atlantic Books |
Publication date | 27 August 2020 |
| Pages | 320 |
| ISBN | 978-1-78649-978-3 |
Publication rights in the Commonwealth of Nations, excluding Canada, were acquired by Atlantic Books in March 2019.[1]
Summary
edit“Why the Germans Do It Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country” by John Kampfner examines the factors behind Germany’s impressive political, economic, and cultural achievements, contrasting them with the difficulties faced by the UK and other Western countries. Kampfner credits Germany’s success to its strong commitment to democracy, a well-balanced social market economy, and a comprehensive welfare state. He highlights Germany’s effective response to crises, such as the refugee situation and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the country’s efficient governance and societal resilience. By combining historical context with contemporary analysis, Kampfner presents Germany as a model of stability and maturity in a world that is often volatile.
Reception
editCritical reception
editBen Hall for the Financial Times praised the work as "well-timed and well-aimed" in light of Germany's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] David Edgerton in The Guardian suggested that the book was not just a study of Germany, but also a comparison between the United Kingdom after Brexit, and Germany.[4] Similarly, Ruadhán Mac Cormaic for The Irish Times described the work as a "lament on the state of contemporary, growth-stunted Britain".[5] Matthew Qvortrup described the book in Prospect as a "well-argued case" to learn from Germany.[6] Oliver Moody of The Times described the book as an "impeccably fair guide" to Germany.[7] Anne McElvoy for The Observer said the book was an "even-handed hymn to Germany" that "underlines why Britain will need its help in a post-Brexit world".[8] Simon Heffer in The Daily Telegraph awarded the book two out of five stars.[9]
Awards
editThe book was long-listed for the 2021 Orwell Prize.[10]
References
edit- ^ Mansfield, Katie (4 March 2019). "Kampfner's 'provocative' Why the Germans Do It Better goes to Atlantic". The Bookseller. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Title: Why the Germans Do It Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country Author: John Kampfner Publisher: Atlantic Books Publication Date: August 27, 2020 ISBN: 978-1786499752
- ^ Hall, Ben (22 September 2020). "Why the Germans Do it Better by John Kampfner — paean to a nation". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Edgerton, David (22 August 2020). "Why the Germans Do It Better by John Kampfner review – notes from a grown-up country". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Mac Cormaic, Ruadhán (31 August 2020). "Why the Germans Do it Better: A lively, affectionate portrait". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Qvortrup, Matthew (6 October 2020). "Why the Germans do it better". Prospect. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Moody, Oliver (20 August 2020). "Why the Germans do it Better by John Kampfner review — Germany, almost a normal nation". The Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ McElvoy, Anne (7 September 2020). "Why the Germans Do it Better by John Kampfner review – in praise of the powerhouse". The Observer. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Heffer, Simon (31 August 2020). "Are Germans really more 'grown-up' than Brits?". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Comerford, Ruth (9 April 2021). "Granta and Dialogue claim multiple titles on Orwell Prize longlists". The Bookseller. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.