Germany's Conscience

Considering current political developments, Friedrich Meinecke's insights on questions of truth, ethics, state power, and propaganda are especially relevant for historical research today.

»Krol's well-wrought argument on Meinecke's conception of history offers a profound analysis of Meinecke's overall intellectual development. Krol's excellent book convincingly shows the ambiguity of Meinecke's historical, philosophical and political thought. And most importantly, Krol's study contributes to the international debate in both the United States and Germany in an original and innovative way.«

(Gisela Bock, Professor of Modern History of Western Europe, Free University Berlin)

»In this ambitious and profound study Krol argues that Meinecke's major works are all organized around an antithesis. However, thanks to his desire for reconciliation Meinecke always struck in each case a well-considered balance between the two poles of the antithesis. It is Krol's achievement to show that a panentheistic philosophy of history enabled this balance and that it is here that we find the key to a proper understanding of Meinecke's oeuvre. This book is not only indispensable for anyone interested in Meinecke but also essential for a better understanding of the whole historicist tradition.«

Frank Ankersmit, Emeritus Professor of Intellectual and Theoretical History, University of Groningen

Besprochen in

H-Soz-Kult, 26.11.2021, Anna Corsten