A History of Modern Germany, Volume 2: 1648-1840

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This second volume of a three-volume reassessment of the last five centuries of German history covers the two centuries from the crucial aftermath of the Thirty Years' War to the eve of the revolution of 1848-49. Dealing with the growth of absolutism, the author traces the founding of the Hapsburg empire and the rise of Bradenburg-Prussia, culminating in the conflict between Maria Theresa and Frederick the Great. Professor Holborn explores the impact of the French Revolution on Germany, its part in the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, and the subsequent reorganization of the German states. In his section on the Congress of Vienna, he shows the struggle between the conservatism of Metternich and the incipient liberal and national movement. Students of German history will appreciate the attention given religious, intellectual, and social developments, colorfully presented in chapters on Baroque civilization and the age of Kant, Goethe, and Beethoven.

Reviews

"[A] masterly account of the dramatic, tragic and often shameful history of Germany in the most recent age, which will probably become one of the most widely read of Holborn's works."--The New York Times Book Review "At a time when most historians are devoting their energies primarily to small segments of our past, it is heartening to have a person of Professor Holborn's stature present us with his interpretation of the sweep of history and of a country whose impact on many phases of Western civilization has been highly significant."--H. J. Grimm, American Historical Review "Dr. Holborn is to be congratulated for his emphasis on the socioeconomic factors in German history. This is the first major work in English on the subject in which adequate attention is given to various facets of German historical development and particularly to economic factors."--L.L. Snyder, Annals of the American Academy "The work is persuasive because it evinces the author's first-hand knowledge of the country and its culture... Wisdom, serenity, and compassion as well as great historical intelligence and perspicacity have molded it."--Fritz Stern, The Yale Review

Author Bio

Hajo Holborn was Sterling Professor of History at Yale University.