Berlin: The Story of a City (with Barney White-Spunner)

In The History Buff's first interview, I am joined by retired army officer-turned historian/author Sir Barney White-Spunner. The book we discuss in this episode is his latest, called Berlin: The Story of a City. The book offers a fantastic oversight of Berlin's rich history, all the way from the thirteenth century, when it was a sleepy fishing and trading post on the banks of the River Spree, all the way through multiple eras, crises, wars and destruction, up until reunification in 1990 and beyond.

I ask Barney about his personal experiences of Berlin, from when he was an officer in the British Army posted to West Germany in the 80s and after. We also discuss how historical narratives about German history are dominated by those of the twentieth century, and how there is so, so much more to Berlin (and German) history.

If you want to know the whole story of Berlin, buy his book Berlin: The Story of a City.

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Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.

Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.

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