This book has it all. An excellent coverage of arguably the most important era of German history written in a lucid and very readable style.
Craig assumes basic literacy in the overall history of Europe in the period he covers; this is not a good First Book of Modern Germany. But his coverage and analysis are first-rate.
It provides a well organised overview of the period, though it "jumbs" to different eventsand people without keepinga coherent flow.
This was the eighth and thus far the best written book in my Summer 2010 reading list on 19th century Europe. I read chapters I through IX, which covered from initial unification and the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 up until the coming of the First World War in 1914.
I have read several sections of this book and will read more as my research proceeds beyond 1933. It is very well written, unusually opinionated history which I have found both enlightening and enjoyable reading.
It is quite simply an heroic achievement. Even as an 18 year old I found this both readable and invaluable.
Fourth reading. Probably a must-read for students of modern German history.
