European history in the 19th and 20th centuries is complex and fascinating. The Chronicles of Rhenania relate the lives, during that period, of ordinary people dealing with constantly changing military occupation, administration and language. The stories go on to show how some of the descendants decided to seek more peaceful, if not easier, lives by joining the large number of emigrants to Britain and overseas. These people left a rich heritage of written material: letters, cards, newspaper articles, written accounts of their ventures and more., which constitute much of this book. To this have been added the stories of their descendants who lived into and through the 20th century. They provide an illuminating picture of how the generations have had to deal with the effects of conflict and political games.