Widely praised in its first edition, the second edition of The GDR was updated to cover events through the spring of 1988, examining in particular the impact of new leadership in both Bonn and Moscow and of the changing world economy on the prospects of the GDR.

Picking up many of themes of David Childs’ earlier book, The GDR: Moscow’s German Ally, this book discusses the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1971 until the mid 1980s. Written at a time when the GDR was one of the most modern and successful socialist states, with a growing importance within the socialist bloc and the global stage, this books examined a number of important topics such as GDR relations with the USSR and the USA, the GDR Navy, the church in the GDR and the economy of the GDR.

This book, originally published in 1981, provides the student and general reader alike with a fascinating account of the dynamic re-emergence of Germany after the Second World War as one of the world’s leading and most powerful states. The book gives extensive coverage to all aspects of the former West Germany’s political, social and economic arrangements. As well as dealing with the Basic Law, political parties, Bundestag and government, it also discusses neglected subjects, such as education, the armed forces, welfare services, the role of women, the economy and industrial relations and the mass media.

The book traces the development of Germany from the Kaiser’s Reich in the 1870s to the reunited democratic state led by Helmut Kohl in the 1990s. The author begins by countering the popular view of Germany before 1914 as irredeemably reactionary, and after assessing Germany’s part in the First World War, he outlines the rise and fall of the Weimar Republic. The 12 years of Hitler’s destructive experiment are presented in a balanced way as part of the overall development of the country. Germany in defeat is then discussed, as is heer rebirth under Four Power occupation. The last chapters explore the two separate German states and the events leading up to the restoration of German unity.

This book, originally published in 1971, provides clear analysis of German affairs at the end of the 1960s. Without neglecting the historical dimension of recent developments, it examines some of the problems the German people faced in the post-war years. Written by experts, but nonethless in an accessible style the essays in this book give an insight into the methods of particular disciplines such as history, economics, politics or sociology whilst offering an introduction to many aspects of German life.

This book discusses how the allies worked towards determining the political future of a defeated Germany. It oulines how the deep ideological divisions within the allied forces ultimately resulted in the division of Germany and discusses how indigenous political movements were impeded by a deeply felt distrust of German nationalism in all organisations. Yes these considerations are seen in the context of the masive logistical problems faced by the allies in restoring order to the chaos of war-ravaged Germany. Focusing on the experiences of Hanover, the book illustrates how post-war German politics are the result of a coalescence of distinct and at times even contradictory ideologies and interests, emphasising how the German political scene can only be understood in terms of the mutual interaction of personalities, beliefs and economics and of indigenous and foreign influences.

The GDR is the most successful (in terms of living standards) socialist state but one of the least loved. Yet the GDR has formidable achievements to list, especially in education and health. On the other hand her feeling of insecurity has led to a creeping militarisation of society. The GDR provides communist states in the Third World with military training and expertise; she also trains security and police cadres. Hence the impact is being felt outside Europe. Does the GDR now present the face of the ugly German to the non-communist world? Her development is worthy of attention. As the Soviet Union's closest ally in Eastern Europe she may play a more important role there in the future as economic growth slows and tensions rise. She has, however, problems of her own which will require much hard work to resolve. Nevertheless she is the most stable socialist state in Eastern Europe at present. Will this continue? Will mass discontent mount as living standards stagnate? Just how important will the West German response be? The GDR is torn between East and West. If she is to weather the economic storms she requires closer links with West Germany and the West but politically and militarily she needs a closer relationship with the Soviet Union. '... competent and wide-ranging, covering not only political history but also the economy, education, culture, the position of women and foreign policy.' Leslie Holmes, Soviet Studies '... the main strength of this work is that it provides a mass of facts and figures in the main text and is yet eminently readable.' Roger Woods, Slavonic Review