Five Nonfiction Books on Chance in History, from Odysseus to Lufthansa

The German newspaper der Freitag presents a selection of five nonfiction books that explore the role of chance in major historical events and narratives. Among the featured works is a travelogue by Dennis Gastmann, who retraces the route of the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, passing through Venice, Trieste, Rome, Ljubljana, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Sofia, Plovdiv, and Edirne. Gastmann, known for his global journeys and portraits of billionaires and unusual countries, describes the journey as a 'European love story' that connects countries, unites cultures, and crosses borders without war. His account blends vivid city characterizations with encounters ranging from an oligarch with a private zoo to artists, eccentrics, and implant tourists. The other books cover topics such as Odysseus, the Wild West of antiquity, the 100-year history of Lufthansa, and rapid evolution. The article suggests that reading these books will change one's perspective on the world, highlighting the significance of chance in shaping history.