But there was hesitation over whether or not it should replace Bonn as the capital after reunification, and the decision was never put to a plebiscite. We learn little about the contents of the menu in the Romanisches Cafe or Berliners’ trips to the Potsdam lakes. One of the greatest painters of 19th-century Berlin, Eduard Gaertner, is not mentioned.During the Cold War Berlin became, for the first time, a symbol of freedom. The city’s political life is given much more space than its manners and customs.

We can hear the roar of the city welcoming Hitler on his return from victory in France on 6 July 1940, and, five years later, the music at the last Berlin Philharmonic concert of the war, on 12 April 1945, when departing listeners were handed cyanide capsules by Hitler Youth members.However, her narrative is swamped by digressions on extraneous subjects. Berlin was the capital of the Stasi state, of the Cold War and – in West Berlin – of that desire for detente which in reality helped Soviet regimes Berlin was “the last bastion of communism”. In 1989, resistance to the regime started not in Berlin but in Leipzig.Berlin is in Alexandra Richie’s blood. Part of her family has lived there since the 13th century; she has lived and worked there.

Although no enemy to unnecessary superlatives, she writes with passion and erudition. She is not deceived by the myths of Berlin tolerance and scepticism. For those who think Prussia was a tolerant state, it is useful to be reminded that, in contrast to other armies, there was “total exclusion of the Jews” from the Prussian officer corps after Berlin became capital of united Germany in 1870.Richie packs her story with quotations from innumerable witnesses: Faust’s Metropolis is particularly detailed on 20th-century political history. The East German government began operating its own concentration camps in and near Berlin in 1946.

Although partly responsible for that chaos, he was cheered by Berliners. The war memorial to the Soviet army was dubbed by Berlin women “the tomb of the unknown rapist”: they knew what they were talking about. OK, it’s a parachute, but it will still be great to watch (call Justin or Kirsten on 01273-673777).If you think you’re ready to give it a go in person, then Airworks of Glynde are offering two paragliding flights for the price of one to all Adrenalin’ 98 programme holders.”Hopefully people will recognise that Adrenalin’ is a good place to come and showcase what the community wants to do,” says Santry “It’s not a commercial venture. People come together, take part and jam together because they want to – and it will get better every year.”Adrenalin’ 98 Hove Promenade, Brighton (01273 673777) 24-25 May 11am- 7.30pm Entry is free. It’s inexpensive, elegant and can go into the conservatory when you get a proper sofa. Rosalind Russell on wicker furniture

Wicker is a very obliging material.