The Development of the Commons in Switzerland

14 May 2023

The book focuses on the differences and similarities between local institutions (rules and regulations) and forms of commoners’ organisations (corporations of citizens and corporations) which have managed common property for several centuries and have shaped the cultural landscapes of Switzerland. At the book’s core are five case studies from Switzerland’s German, French and Italian-speaking regions. … Read more » “The Development of the Commons in Switzerland”

The Constitution of the Cantons

5 May 2023

The Constitution of the cantons is an indispensable part of Swiss constitutional law. Like citizens, the cantons are the cornerstones of the Swiss state system. Almost all the constitutions of the cantons have been (entirely) revised, dusted off, and harmonised over the past 50 years and yet have retained their individuality. Constitutions show surprising diversity. … Read more » “The Constitution of the Cantons”

Edward Gibbon and Lausanne

5 May 2023

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) spent more than a third of his life in Lausanne, first for his education during the 1750s (following a stint at Magdalen College, Oxford); then in the early 1760s on a stopover on his way to Rome; and finally throughout the 1780s and early 1790s, when he was already the celebrated author … Read more » “Edward Gibbon and Lausanne”

Swiss episodes from the 20th century

3 May 2023

This German-language anthology brings together 50 Swiss episodes from the 20th century, most of which are mere footnotes in Swiss history and already forgotten. It reinterprets these events with today’s knowledge. The result is not only entertaining. The sum of individual events also says a lot about a country. Some examples include a Russian assassin … Read more » “Swiss episodes from the 20th century”

Historical Atlas of Basel

3 May 2023

The city, prince-bishopric and canton of Basel have always had numerous German-French-Swiss border lines and crossings. Bordered by the Jura, the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, this area views the Burgundian Gateway and the Upper and High Rhine. The German-language “Historischer Atlas der Region Basel” outlines the history of Basel in 64 maps with … Read more » “Historical Atlas of Basel”

La Suisse romande. Quatre regards

21 April 2023

Available in French

The Shadow Elefant in the Romansh Language

10 March 2023

Available in German and French

Suchard and Neuchâtel

6 March 2023

For 164 years, the scent of cocoa could be smelled in the Serrières valley (commune of Neuchâtel). The book (in French) is an invitation to (re)discover the history of the famous Neuchâtel chocolate factory and explore the Serrières valley. It is the colour purple and the Milka cow that the eye associates with a bar … Read more » “Suchard and Neuchâtel”

The Sonderbund War. Switzerland in 1847

3 January 2023

Available in French: P. de Bois, La Guerre du Sonderbund. La Suisse de 1847. Neuchâtel, 2018

Guillaume Henri Dufour and Switserland