Bernhard Rieger

About the Author

Bernhard Rieger is a distinguished historian and author renowned for his insightful explorations of modern European history, technology, and consumer culture. With a PhD from the University of Cambridge, he has held academic positions at prestigious institutions, including the University of Leiden and University College London, where he currently teaches. Rieger's work bridges the gap between scholarly rigor and accessible narrative, examining how everyday objects and innovations shape societal transformations. His acclaimed book, The People’s Car: A Global History of the Volkswagen Beetle, traces the Beetle's journey from a symbol of Nazi-era engineering to a worldwide icon of mobility and freedom, offering a compelling lens on the interplay of politics, economics, and popular imagination in the twentieth century.