A unique historical document: How the British viewed us Germans in 1944

When British soldiers made their way to Germany in 1944, before the end of the war, this little booklet was tucked into their pockets. It was a guide from the British Foreign Office on how to deal with us Germans, a testament to British civility, and a warning about a "strange people." The soldiers were to be psychologically trained not to fall for Nazi propaganda. They were also to be made aware that they should always behave fairly towards all Germans. The guide specifically and sometimes quite absurdly highlights what we like to eat and drink, which sports we engage in, and how we celebrate. In 1944, 400,000 soldiers received this guide, which significantly shaped their perception of us Germans. Even today, it can hold up a mirror to us, and the image we see in that mirror is sometimes shocking, sometimes amusing, and often incredibly funny.

With a preface by Helge Malchow and Christian Kracht.