Don't Mention the Wars: A Journey through European Stereotypes

'Wry, well-observed and thoroughly informative. Anyone who wants to understand Europe and the Europeans should read it.' John Simpson, author and BBC World Affairs Editor

Heaven is where the police are British,
the chefs Italian, the mechanics German,
the lovers French,
and it's all organized by the Swiss.

Hell is where the police are German,
the chefs are British,
the mechanics French,
and it's all organized by the Italians.

Anon

RTÉ's Tony Connelly has produced an intriguing, thought-provoking, hilarious and sometimes poignant grand tour through European stereotypes.

He embarks on an odyssey through the highs and lows of European manners and mannerisms, and explores how stereotypes we hold about other Europeans have originated and evolved, if and how they are still relevant, and what they tell us about our neighbours. Are all Finns taciturn alcoholics, and if so why? How come the French are the louche lovers of Europe and not the Czechs?

How valid are these notions, and what light do they shed - in the brave, new, frontierless Europe of the 21st century - on what it means to be a modern European?

Praise for Don't Mention the Wars:

'Don't Mention the Wars is a sharply written meditation on the origins of the various peculiarities associated with our European neighbours.' Mark Paul, The Sunday Times

'It is a fascinating, not to say ambitious, journey, and one worth taking.' Des Kenny

'An entertaining exploration of the truth behind European stereotypes.' Bridget Hourican, The Irish Times

This book is also available as an e-book. See our listing at www.directebooks.com.