Dresden

Founded 800 years ago, for centuries the splendid residency of the Wettiner, almost completely destroyed in World War II and now, again, one of Germany's most interesting landmarks: the dramatic history of Dresden is hard to match. Wolfgang Hädecke, an adoptive Dresdner, recounts this history, in thirty chapters, from the beginnings of the residential city to its renascence after 1989. When Dresden is mentioned, one thinks of art galleries and museums, the castle, churches of world-renown. But Dresden is also a city of music, residence of Carl Maria von Weber, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, city of the great architect Semper – and, of course, the home of writer Erich Kästner. Lovers of the Saxon metropolis tend to forget that Dresden has also been highly successful in technology and sports, too. The incredible variety of Dresden is at the centre of Wolfgang Hädecke's book. Read it from cover to cover or take a leisurely stroll from one chapter to the next. Even Dresden residents will make new discoveries here. But first and foremost, this book is indispensable reading for all visitors, whether they come in time for Dresden's anniversary celebration or in the years ahead.