André Keils elegantly written text opens up new ways of imagining modern German history as a struggle between authoritarian and democratic forces and brings home to us the urgency of a return to the political when understanding the countrys past and present challenges. * Matthew Stibbe, Professor of Modern European History, Sheffield Hallam University, UK * This concise and student-friendly volume belies its seemingly conventional narrative structure with a host of subtle and sometimes subversive insights. Keil argues it was the dynamic interplay between the forces of revolution and reaction, rather than an inherently authoritarian mindset, that repeatedly led German governments in a dictatorial direction. * Matthew Jefferies, Professor of German History, University of Manchester, UK * This excellent book offers both a lucid, reliable introduction to modern German history for students and an engaging, provocative interpretation for experts. Avoiding tired cliches about authoritarian continuities it describes German history instead as an ongoing struggle between its progressive and reactionary forces, a struggle in which, as ever, there was no final victory and no final defeat. * Neil Gregor, Professor of Modern European History, University of Southampton, UK *
