A World on Edge

“A World on Edge, an evocative book tracking 22 characters in the interwar period, points out that for centuries, periods of prolonged war in Europe’s violent history have been followed by periods of prolonged peace.”—Katrin Bennhold, The New York Times

“Schönpflug’s study of the immediate aftermath of the first world war brings a fresh and varied perspective to a familiar narrative, and reminds one of the brief period of optimism and hope that came out of the carnage and chaos.”—Frederick Studemann, Financial Times

“Daniel Schönpflug has written the historian’s version of John Dos Passos’ epic novel U.S.A.—now with global protagonists whose kaleidoscopic biographies let us experience the jagged transition from the First World War into an unsettled era of artistic innovation, political promise, disillusion, and violence.”—Charles S. Maier, author of Once Within Borders: Territories of Power, Wealth, and Belonging

“For a brief moment a century ago the end of the Great War offered peace and the prospect of a bright new social order to a dark, ravaged Europe. In his moving and inspired book, historian Daniel Schönpflug recreates how these days were experienced by the people who lived them—their struggles, dreams, and desires—and traces the elusive fate of their noble visions. An evocative and deeply affecting requiem for what might have been.”—Douglas Smith, author of Rasputin: Faith, Power, and the Twilight of the Romanovs

“1918 was a watershed. Daniel Schönpflug tells the stories of the men and women who were transformed by this historical moment—and who would go on to transform the future. A brilliant panorama of a world in turmoil.”—Daniel Jütte, author of The Strait Gate: Thresholds and Power in Western History

“With a marvelous eye for detail and a highly accomplished style, Schönpflug transports us directly to the astonishing year 1918. A masterpiece.”—Philipp Blom, author of Fracture: Life and Culture in the West, 1918-1938