The Divided Nation: A History of Germany, 1918-1990 [Paperback]

Mary Fulbrook (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195075714 | ISBN-13: 978-0195075717 | Publication Date: July 2, 1992

Covering all major aspects of German history from the Weimar Republic through reunification, this new book offers a remarkably rich, insightful survey of a difficult and controversial subject. It integrates East German history more fully than any previous account, offering a precisely nuanced picture of life in the G.D.R. and a compelling account of the roots of the 1989 revolution, and incorporates the latest research in social and economic history to deepen and vivify the political narrative. A unique advantage is its full, and fully accessible, examination of current historiographical debates in the field. Comprehensive, cogent, and judiciously balanced, The Divided Nation will become the standard reference on this important subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Very nice introductory text. Excellent treatment of the German Democratic Republic. I found the chapters on the most recent period particularly useful in teaching this course. Nice treatment of opposition courses in both GDR and FRG."--Elizabeth Peifer, University of North Carolina

"A first-rate persuasive synthesis not only of modern German history but of some of the related historiography...Fulbrook's study is remarkably objective. Her account, a felicitous combination of narrative and analysis, is accompanied...by some perceptive generalizations that seek to make sense of twentieth-century Germany....Highly recommended to student and expert alike..."--Queen's Quarterly

"Excellent, concise, well-written."--G.S. Kent, University of Maryland

"Unique among German history textbooks, this book provides detailed coverage of the post-1945 periods, making it unusually useful."--Jonathan Sperber, University of Missouri

"An excellent text for an undergraduate course in German history. It offers a good balance between factual presentation and interpretation."--Margaret H. Pertzoff, Randolph-Macon Women's College

"Durchaus sachgerechte und Wesentliches treffende Erzahlung." ["A straightforward account that goes right to the heart of the matter."]--Neue Zurcher Zeitung

"I am planning to teach courses on Central Europe and Europe since 1945. This book would be perfect for them."--Jena M. Gaines, Mount Holyoke College

"Useful summary of Germany from 1945 with a good introduction on the topic from 1918-1945. The summary dealing with Germany from 1945 should be helpful in teaching German history at the undergraduate level."--George Strong, College of William and Mary

"Excellent."--Elizabeth C. Adams, Frostburg State University

"Very well structured: succinct and yet comprehensive."--Narasingha P. Sil, Western Oregon State College

About the Author

Mary Fulbrook, Reader in German History, University College, London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 2, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195075714
• ISBN-13: 978-0195075717
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How you can trust a review?, August 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Divided Nation: A History of Germany, 1918-1990 (Paperback)

Having seen the vicious review on file for this book I went out and had a look at the actual text. Nothing can be that bad. As ever, the one star rating tells you rather more about the reviewer than the book! This is a superb history, but of course it tramples over some toes of those who have a simplistic right and wrong view of the GDR. No doubt there are old scores to settle here. But it would be asking too much for someone to rise above their own prejudices and judge a book on its merits.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to German history, July 30, 2004

By 

Kevin Wang (Princeton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Divided Nation: A History of Germany, 1918-1990 (Paperback)

Fulbrook writes in very informative and eloquent manner that makes this book very accessible to both college students and the casual reader. While introducing key themes of 20th-century German history, Fulbrook also offers her own very interesting perspectives rich with details. Finally, it was nice to see a book on German history that doesn't over-indulge on the Nazi period.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Decent Overview of the 20th Century as a Whole, January 21, 2002

By 

C. Zarr "tsarman" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Divided Nation: A History of Germany, 1918-1990 (Paperback)

While some periods, like the Third Reich, make books upon books in themselves, Fulbrook's narrative is concise and gets straight to the point. It tells just enough to whet one's taste and push them toward other topics. The post war period is especially good and destroys the black and white Communism is bad and FDR is good by showing how certain aspects of each were beneficial to people in each country. Very unbiased and very well researched. Not the perfect history book, but a near perfect overview into the most turbulent period in German history.