A Brief History of Germany: Indispensable for Travellers

by Jeremy Black

The history of Germany is intricately woven. Threaded in time through its struggles and triumphs with religion, industrialisation, enlightenment, politics, unification, and war.

In A Brief History of Germany , Jeremy Black questions how the Germany we know today came to be, chronicling the events that shaped its past, present and future in a fascinating new way.

From the fall of Rome in the 1500s to the enlightenment in the 1700s, from World War I and World War II to Germany post-unification, Black's writing will unlock the places and people that formed Germany and enrich your visit with stories of its society and culture.

Concise yet explorative, A Brief History of Germany is an astonishing work from a renowned UK historian. Whether you are a long-term reader of Black's expansive history work or are interested in learning more ahead of a short city break or longer trip, this intriguing look at the history of Germany is an essential read.

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2022

About the author

Jeremy Black is an English historian, who was formerly a professor of history at the University of Exeter. He is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of America and the West at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
Black is the author of over 180 books, principally but not exclusively on 18th-century British politics and international relations, and has been described by one commentator as "the most prolific historical scholar of our age". He has published on military and political history, including Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975 (2001) and The World in the Twentieth Century (2002).

Reviews

[Allegria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brief compact history of Germany Jeremy Black offers his intimate and vast knowledge of Germany. Covering past and present and sometimes quirky aspects of modern Germany, this is an enjoyable informative book for the travellers by land, sea or air.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good relatively concise history, but not one I’d recommend as an introduction since Black assumes some familiarity with major figures and events—in broad outline—of European and German history.

[Gareth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I would like this more. Too brief but also rambles on at times. Doesn't quite work as both a travel and a history book.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and concise history of Germany, which really helped to solidify background information when travelling. Additionally, I found that the advice and notes added by the author were rather useful if you’re planning a trip to Germany in the near future.