Myth and Modernity

This text presents a beautiful collection of drawings and other art by Ernst Barlach that draw on the Nibelungen, the royal family of the Burgundians who settled in Worms, Germany in the 5th century. Paret and Thieme, experts on Barlach and the German modernism of which he was part, examine Barlach's work in the context of the history of the Nibelungen as a medieval epic and later nationalist symbol. They highlight his struggle to celebrate and reject the myth amidst growing German jingoism. Black and white plates are presented throughout the slim 8.5x11.5" text, including a 35-page sequence of his charcoal drawings of the story. Annotation 穢2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)