Having grown up in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the turn of the 20th century, Drs. Wilhelm and Helene (Nené) Langer served in the Austrian Army during World War I. They moved to Jena, Germany after the demise of the Austrian Empire only to find themselves in the midst of Germany's economic and political turmoil. Hundreds of letters, documents, publications and photos that Wilhelm saved throughout his life provide a detailed, first person account of the extended Langer family's experience through World War I, World War II, and Communist East Germany. Some of the major themes include Wilhelm's hydro-electric projects during his 43 year career at Carl Zeiss Jena, the history of the family home in Jena, Villa Zuckerkandl, and the many difficulties resulting from the persecution of Jewish family members during the Nazi era.Villa Zuckerkandl, the Langer's home from 1929 until 1999, was built by the well-known Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius. Nené's adoptive mother, Therese Zuckerkandl, hired Gropius to design the home for them. Therese lost her life during the Holocaust.Nené's uncle, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Straubel lost his position as CEO of Zeiss because he refused to divorce his Jewish wife, Nené's aunt. Neither woman survived the Holocaust. Wilhelm and his three children survived World War II. The depth of their trials are revealed in letters Wilhelm wrote to his daughters, who both remained in Germany. His son fled Germany, arriving in the US just in time to listen on the radio to Hitler's announcement of Germany's invasion of Poland, which started World War II. His son finished his education in the US, served in the US Army, married, had a family and completed a successful career as a research scientist.Many personal accounts of relatives and friends dispersed throughout Europe and the Americas were gathered by the author, Wilhelm and Nené's granddaughter, to complete The Langers of Jena. Over 250 photos and many maps enhance and clarify the story.