readable German history

[bailey_187]

i been trying to read about German history from Bismark's reunification to the first world war. but all the books seem to be really unreadable and boring. Obv im going to have to read them if thats what they are all like, i have no choice. David Blackbourn's book is incredibly boring. I understand he is a good historian, but damn i hate the way he writes.

But i was hoping if people could recommend some books on German history that are actually enjoyable to read. Are there no Eric Hobsbawms or Mark Mazowers in that period of German history?

I found a book online by Richard Evans (who from reading In Defense of History, writes well IMO) that covers the area im looking for, but its £70 :scared: so thats a no

thanks

p.s. please dont tell me to read Engels writing on Bismark lol

[Hoipolloi Cassidy]

Germany 1866-1945, by Gordon A. Craig. 1978. It's well-written, extremely well informed and analytic, meaning it's not all battles and politicians, but has reams of astute observations about states of mind and social systems. It's one of those few books you keep from undergrad through post-doc.

[Armchair War Criminal]

AJP Taylor is extremely readable, but (as you know from reading In Defense of History) must be taken with some extra salt.


p.s. please dont tell me to read Engels writing on Bismark lol
May I recommend the Secret Diplomatic History of Eightehahahaha

[Highfructosecornsyrup]

Some I'd recommend:

1: Imperial Germany and the Great War - Chickering (Best WWI on Germany)
2: 19th century Germany, John Breuilly
3: The Nationalization of the Masses: Political Symbolism and Mass Movements in Germany from The Napoleonic Wars to the Third Reich.

^ Also A.J.P. Taylor, but i find him more difficult to read, he is overly interested in diplomatic history and can sometimes lose me.