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History Germany

Germany's Second Reich

Portraits and Pathways

by (author) James Retallack

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Jul 2015
Category
Germany, 19th Century, General, General, Essays
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781442628526
    Publish Date
    Jun 2015
    List Price
    $40.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781442650572
    Publish Date
    Jun 2015
    List Price
    $96.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442624108
    Publish Date
    Jul 2015
    List Price
    $38.95

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Description

Despite recent studies of imperial Germany that emphasize the empire’s modern and reformist qualities, the question remains: to what extent could democracy have flourished in Germany’s stony soil? In Germany’s Second Reich, James Retallack continues his career-long inquiry into the era of Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II with a wide-ranging reassessment of the period and its connections with past traditions and future possibilities.

In this volume, Retallack reveals the complex and contradictory nature of the Second Reich, presenting Imperial Germany as it was seen by outsiders and insiders as well as by historians, political scientists, and sociologists ever since.

About the author

James Retallack is a professor of History and German Studies at the University of Toronto. His most recent book for the University of Toronto Press was The German Right, 1860–1920.

James Retallack's profile page

Editorial Reviews

‘This volume is a sprightly, critical introduction to the recent historiography of imperial Germany’s domestic politics.’

German Studies Review vol 40:01:2017

‘This sparkling collection of essays focuses on the acute political and social tensions that wracked Germany from 1866 to 1918… This is a work in which a leading scholar brings fresh analytical insights to bear on the age of Bismarck and Wilhelm… Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine vol 53:06:2016

"Retallack’s collection of essays is marked by sharp and thoughtful analytical distinction, judicious and critical reflections on the work of colleagues in the field, and beautiful, clear writing."

Central European History Vol 51: 2018