Germany, Second Edition, Revised: A Short History

by Donald S. Detwiler

Especially useful to general readers and students who require a concise introduction to modern Germany.

The first two chapters interpret the history of central Europe from antiquity through the 18th century providing the background for the 19th and 20th centuries, which are treated in the third and fourth chapters. Twelve original maps, a chronology, and a bibliographical essay are provided.

In this updated revision, the final chapter and the chronology have been extended to provide coverage of developments since the mid-1970s and the bibliographical essay has been expanded to about twice its original length by the inclusion of material on the recent past, new publications on earlier German history, and a number of additional titles on German cultural history.

Genres: History

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1976

Reviews

[Adam Heckathorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has changed my whole understanding of world events and Germany's part in them. I now understand how the holocaust was possible. I also have a better understanding of the time in my own lifetime when there were two Germanys.

[Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly fulfilled its promise of delivering a short but meaningful history of Germany, especially for those interested in its modern aspect (from ~1800 till around 2000). While Detwiler certainly covered the pre Roman, Roman and Medieval periods in brush strokes, he slows down starting with the Protestant reformation and even more so for the lead up to the German unification. He is particularly brilliant when recounting the governing style of Bismarck, Hitler’s cunning power grab and the crucial decisions taken in the lead up to the German re-unification. Definitely recommend but not as much for those interesting in the Medieval or earlier periods of German history.