Alumni Travel Reading: Cruise the Face of Europe

A detailed look at the various nations and cultures through which the Danube River connects, both in its earliest history and in more recent years.

An eco-biology which spans from 1815 to 2000, this work details the river's influence on the growth of industrialization within Europe, as well as the aftermath of environmental destruction. Numerous efforts have been made to restore the river and its surroundings to one of ecological prosperity.

A cohesive collaboration of historical, cultural, religious, and philosophical insight into the Danube River and the many worlds which reside along it.

Taking a more sociological approach, Blue River, Black Sea is a first-person account of one man's travels down the Danube River in which he delves through European history, and examines cultural discrepancies still present today.

A Time of Gifts takes readers through a unique journey. In this account, the author relates his trek up the Rhine and down the Danube River during the time of Hitler's ascendancy. With war having not yet ravaged the continent in its entirety, this work allows the reader to experience, through Fermor's writing, European landscapes and culture as they existed before the war although already in its shadow.

The story of U.S. Army Chaplain Henry Gerecke, who was assigned to act as minister to twenty-one Nazi soldiers who awaited trial at Nuremberg after the end of World War II. Ethically, morally, and existentially challenging, Mission at Nuremberg explores both the capacities, and the limitations, of human compassion.

A detailed history of the moral, ethical, and philosophical dilemmas faced by European countries under the fascist and violent rule of Germany, Soviet Union, and Italy. This lauded work by historian Istvan Deak explores the trauma of the war and its aftermath.

An investigative piece on the murder of lauded, yet controversial, filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who was murded in November 2004 by an Islamic extremist who acted out of anger when van Gogh "insulted prophet Mohammed" within one of his movies. Author Ian Buruma sets out to explore the motives behind the murder, and what such an event signifies on a grand scale.

An emotional, moving tale of a young teenager in World War II who is forcibly taken from his home in Germany and subsequently thrown into a Russian war camp. While the young man appears to lose all hope and belief in a future of his own choosing, author Uta Christensen's narration follows the protagonist as he finds the strength to battle for the life that was taken from him.

A poignant tale of a Cologne man's struggle to return to traditional lifestyle, despite a wounded psyche, after fighting as a German solider in the second world war.

Amsterdam, in recent years, has shocked populations of other nations with their laws which allow expression and freedom in ways many cannot conceive. Through a historical and sociological lens, author Russel Shorto examines how the cultural and political stance of this city has fluxed and flowed through history.

A look at German history from 1750 to modern day, examining numerous cultural and intellectual leaders, the devastation of World War II, and how the nation has rebuilt itself in recent years.

Written by Hungarian-born John Lukacs, this book illuminates the world of Budapest in the 1900's with a cultural, historical, and socioeconomic account of all that Hungary was, and strove to become.

Through use of both satire and historical detail, author Colin White examines Dutch culture from every angle; an essential read for those wishing to learn more about the nation, both its idiosyncrasies and its beauty.

A guide that walks readers through the history, complexity and inspiring beauty of the Melk Abbey, with text and illustrations included.

A look at the architecture and historical prominence of twenty-five castles throughout Germany.