When we think of Germany in the 20^th century, we think of two world wars, a failed democracy, Hitler’s dictatorship and the Holocaust, a country divided for forty years. But we also think of a welfare state, prosperity, liberalisation and globalisation, a successful democracy and the longest period of peace in European history. Ulrich Herbert’s work is a brilliant portrayal of a turbulent century, and sets a new standard for contemporary history. In an afterword to the new edition, the author takes stock of recent developments since the book was first published almost ten years ago.

‘A magnificent book, an intellectual pleasure.’ - Victor Mauer, Neue Zürcher Zeitung

*‘One of Germany’s best historians.’ - Saul Friedländer

*New edition with updated afterword

*Awarded the Bavarian Book Prize

*With an updated epilogue

*‘The focus and intensity with which Herbert approaches this monumental material… is impressive.’ - Michael Wildt