The Shortest History of Germany (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 2017; vuoden 2018 painos)

A bare-bones (minus a few phalanges and ribs) of what will eventually become Germany. The beginning is alright, if very superficial, but the rest is overshadowed by the author's political agenda, dislike for Protestants and rabid anti-Prussianess (or basically a dislike for anything on the east side of the Elbe). There were also numerous factual errors and typos. The inclusion of maps was usefull. There is no timeline or list of references, or even further recommended reading. In short, a poor offering.

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Germany has long been divided. This concise and informative short history provides a valuable insight into the country, including a unique theory about the rise of the Nazis.
The land we know as Germany was created when Charlemagne’s grandsons divided his empire. Louis was granted “everything” east of the Rhine but where “everything” ended wasn’t clear. It could’ve ended at the River Elbe or beyond. Subsequent rulers all wanted to take the Slavic territory beyond the Elbe.
The various kingdoms within Louis’ land joined centuries later in 1871 and became Germany. Hawes argues the amalgamation didn’t create a united country but a Prussian empire. That empire, ruled from the east, was financed by the prosperous west and south. Hawes says nothing has changed.
The Prussian period began in 1866 and ended in 1945 when not even the name survived. Hawes argues Prussian preoccupation of eastern domination was instrumental in Germany’s First World War defeat. The troops sent east could’ve bolstered forces on the western front.
Another division is religion. Louis’ land remained Catholic after the Reformation. The revolt against Rome came from the north and east that became Lutheran. Hawes argues religion helps explain Nazi support: it came from the Lutherans.
Hawes warns in these days of populism, the extreme left and extreme right in the east could unite into a frightening force.
It is only by understanding the past that we can understand the present. Hawes’s Shortest History is a valuable contribution. ( )

Finally allowed to get to read this, between many distractions, but what a pleasure. Such any easy read with a narrative pushing you through all the convolutions of Germany history. Fascinating, driven by a central theme that doesn't get mired in the many possible side issues and events.
The skill in keeping the narrative moving but carrying along the 'uninformed' reader is remarkable. Even the modern events of german history, where I thought I had some misty insight, were suddenly revealed in stark detail from an new perspective that had that solid ring of authenticity. Right bang uptodate, Merkle shapeshifts into a different persona.
Given all the convolutions and the many iterations before any sense of a Germany emerges, that the narrative can hold it all together with a strong positive sense of direction is all credit to the author. The inclusion of maps, too small and too sketchy to give any detail other than a glimpsed overview, were helpful but also annoying, particularly as my knowledge of german cities and locations is fuzzy. The bubble diagrams that are simplistic to a really idiotic degree, do serve to ram home the core of the themes being laid out so nobody but nobody can miss the point being made!
Clearly not a scholarly work, though the frequent clips to relevant quotes imply very well researched material, you have to surrender to his underlying thesis, Germany west of the Elbe and Prussia to east and never the twain shall co-exist, collaboratively. I am not in a position to even begin to unpick his thesis and for me it is immaterial. He has given me a kaleidoscope view into germany and what has made it tick and what is still driving even now after all the vicissitudes of recent decades.So thank you I take away a better understanding of germany and its place in the world order, subject to anyone whose has a better insight! ( )

A very short read that matches the title claim in not offering anything like an in-depth History of the most critical nation in the evolution of Europe - political & military developments are covered briefly in each era as the author divides his text - cultural-social-economic German development is hardly touched on at any stage.
It's worth reading, but obviously inadequate for a wider understanding of Germany. ( )

When I saw this book, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the history of Germany. Disappointment set in almost from the moment I opened the book. Non-existent documentation, an overly familiar writing style, and blatant political bias plagued the account. In a small book such as this, one expects superficial treatment; however, the author's biases seem to drive what he glosses over and what he treats more in-depth. The author needs to return to writing fiction and refrain from non-fiction unless he plans to document his work and ignore his own biases. I received an advance electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review. The book's index was not included in the version I read. ( )