"This elegant and original study adds greatly to our understanding of national and regional identities in modern German history and the ways that these were constructed. It is imaginatively researched, intelligently argued, and written with panache. A Nation of Provincials is a major historical work that has much to contribute to larger contemporary debates about a 'usable' German past."--David Blackbourn, University of London "This impeccably and thoroughly researched study is an excellent example of historical scholarship. Applegate has quite imaginatively used a wide variety of primary and secondary sources. This is a pioneering work that will stand alone in its field for some time."--Gary D. Stark, University of Texas, Arlington