Abstract

This review deals with two recent German studies which are both referred to the central moment of the transition from liberal to conservative nationalism in 19th century Italy and Germany. The books by Jan-Pieter Forßmann and Amerigo Caruso may contribute, with their common focus on the formation of modern public sphere, to better understand the substantial change of the idea of nation which is still considered to be, after the escalation of this concept in 20th century and in view of its current revival, one of the key problems of contemporary history.