September 2005
Made in Munich
Three books with a local slant
MÜNCHEN: EIN SKIZZENBUCH ****
Art by Robert C. Rore and text by
Lillian Schacherl
Glaspalast Edition, 2004
This sketchbook of watercolors is spectacular enough even to convince someone who is not usually a fan of this art form to buy it. Separated into chapters devoted to museums, churches and modern architecture, Munich resident Rore has painted most of the city. In his works, the emphasis is given to architecture and people and to creating the impression of movement. Rore includes separate pencil and watercolor sketches of figures, such as the Eisbach surfers and people at the Feldherrnhalle. Schacherl’s detailed text, meanwhile, focuses on the history of the city and its buildings, monuments and people, but is not overly academic. In fact, there are many humorous observations about residents. Although the text is in German, it is fairly easy to understand for people with a basic knowledge of the language. And, if the text is lost on you, the book is still worth buying, for the pictures alone! This unique book makes a wonderful gift, even if it is only for yourself. Rore manages to combine a sketchy style with detail and precision. It is clear he has a passion for the city. You can purchase
München: Ein Skizzenbuch at the following Munich shops: Galerie Ruetz, Frauenstrasse 12; Kunst(b)handlung, Müllerstrasse 40; PGM Art World, Asamhof; Galerie Roucka, Feilitzschstrasse 14. Also, you can visit the artist’s Website at
www.robert-c-rore.com.
DRIVE AROUND BAVARIA AND THE
AUSTRIAN TYROL ***
By Brent Gregston
Thomas Cook Publishing, 2005
We’ve seen the hiking guides, the cycling guides, the backpacker guides, the wine guides … and the list goes on. But this guide book is somewhat different—it’s a driving guide. The book covers the very best of Bavaria and the Tyrol—from mountaintop castles and Baroque churches to the cities of Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck—not to mention the flower-filled meadows and ski resorts. The practical guide divides the region into touring areas with one tour per chapter. The main sights and attractions are given star ratings to help you prioritize if you have limited time, although, as with any guide, these ratings are purely subjective. Each chapter includes a section with comprehensive information about villages, towns, historic sights, nature reserves, museums, etc. And there is plenty of practical information too, such as parking facilities, opening times and tips. In some sections, there are sidebars with factual information about specific topics of relevance, such as wine festivals, architects and alpine plants. There are also information pages about road signs, and a page with basic phrases and words in German. Many of the driving routes are circular, so you can join them at any point. The guide is not flaw free. For example, although the book is in English, there are occasions where comments presume either a basic understanding of German or a certain level of background knowledge about the area. It would have been helpful, for strangers to the region and non-German speakers, if the author had expanded on these. An example of this is the section about Bavarian beer, which says, “beware of beer with the suffix -ator”, without explaining that this is because the -ator beers are extra strong. However, despite these small flaws, it is a great guide. It is clearly written, detailed and contains some clear, easy-to-follow maps.
WIND TIME, WOLF TIME **
By Brian Deming
Hard Shell Word Factory, 2004
Although Deming, an American reporter and editor, has published nonfiction books before, this is his first novel. Although fictional,
Wind Time, Wolf Time is actually based on historical events and includes historical characters. The story unfolds between 1613 and 1634, a time marked by bloody war and constant conflict between Catholics and Protestants. It is set in a number of European cities, including Heidelberg, Vienna, The Hague, Prague and Munich, among other places. The story follows Katerina, a young woman from Heidelberg who escapes her cruel aunt and abusive uncle to work in the palace with her sister, Anna. After a pregnancy and a marriage, Katerina becomes the mistress of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who occupied Bavaria in 1632. Themes such as religion, politics, class issues and war unfold throughout the book. Whilst the story and the historical angle are undeniably interesting, the dialogue is at times slightly clumsy. But, overall,
Wind Time, Wolf Time makes for a powerful and fascinating read, especially for history buffs. Deming manages to capture the mood and atmosphere of the times very vividly, which must surely stem from a huge amount of meticulous background research. <<<
