Rise and Fall of Prussia [Unabridged] [Hardcover]

Sebastian Haffner (Author), Ewald Osers (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 1980

Prussia, a state which contributed so much to European civilization, only exis-ted as an independent power for 170 years. Sebastian Haffner, a Prussian by birth, reassesses the legend and tells the short but dramatic history of this unique state. He casts fresh light on its foundation, its struggle to become a great power in the eighteenth century, its important role as one of the Three Black Eagles with Austria and Russia, and its eventual disappearance from the map of Europe after the establishment of the German Empire.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

About the Author

Sebastian Haffner was born in 1907 in Berlin. He emigrated to England in 1938 and wrote for the OBSERVER for many years. He returned to Germany in 1954, where he became a prominent journalist and historian, writing for DIE WELT and STERN. He died in 1999. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 186 pages
• Publisher: Weidenfeld And Nicolson Limited (July 31, 1980)
• ISBN-10: 0297778102
• ISBN-13: 978-0297778103
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,958,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A summary perspective of Prussia's history in Germany., May 14, 2008

By 

Kevin M Quigg (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Rise and Fall of Prussia Pb (Phoenix Giants S.) (Paperback)

Prussia led Germany from 1870 through 1945. Not only did it provide the leaders for the main German political parties, but its leadership dominated the German armed forces. Haffner in his best describes how Prussia was in fact quite a liberal force in central Europe and managed to change the history of this part of Europe. As Prussia consolidated, the other German states felt threatened. However, Prussian leadership was enlightened in many ways. When Germany did unite under Prussian leadership, liberal ideas prevailed. Germany shed its image as a backward area. The death of Prussia could have happened in 1918, 1933, or 1945, but it did happen. In 1945, Prussia was broken into a number of states in the West German federation and GDR.

Haffner does a good summary job of detailing the rise and fall of Prussia. This is my third book by this author, and I always find enlightening reading. His perspective is obviously German and Prussian, but it is stimulating reading.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A nice short summary of a long period, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rise and Fall of Prussia (Hardcover)

Well, the title of the review says it all really. It is interesting, detailed in parts and flows well. However, for serious historical research it can only be really used for background framework in companion with other more detailed works. Haffner's works can be a little overrated, though this book is certainly better than his attempt to summarise Hitler and explain him in under 200 pages!