After the Reich

In 1945 Germany was a nation in tatters. Swathes of its population were despairing, homeless, bombed-out and on the move. Refugees streamed towards the West and soldiers made their way home, often scarring the villages they passed through with parting shots of savagery.

Politically the country was neutered, carved into zones of occupation. While Britain and America were loathe to repeat the crippling reparations demands of the First World War, Russia bayed for blood, stripping their own zone of everything from rail tracks to lavatory bowls.

After the Reich is the first history to give the full picture of Germany's bitter journey to reconstruction. Giles Macdonogh expertly charts the varied experiences of all who found themselves in the German melting pot. His people-focused narrative unveils shocking truths about how people continued to treat each other, even outside the confines of war. It is a crucial lesson for our times.

“Praise for Giles MacDonogh's previous books:”

Praise for Giles MacDonogh s previous books: - .

Prussia: Well-researched, well-written and important - Independent

Berlin: A rich book, packed with information, understanding and enthusiasm, stuffed with wonderful tales well told and suffused by prodigious reading - Daily Telegraph

Frederick the Great: 'Stylishly written and rich in detail, this biography offers the most rounded portrait of Frederick the Great yet to appear in English - Sunday Telegraph

The Last Kaiser: Compelling - The Sunday Times

MacDonogh is the author of eleven books on subjects as diverse as German history, French gastronomy and wine. He has written for major newspapers in Britain and Europe such as the Financial Times, the Guardian and The Times. He contributes to magazines all over the world.

In 1945 Germany was a nation in tatters. Swathes of its population were despairing, homeless, bombed-out and on the move. Refugees streamed towards the West and soldiers made their way home, often scarring the villages they passed through with parting shots of savagery.Politically the country was neutered, carved into zones of occupation. While Britain and America were loathe to repeat the crippling reparations demands of the First World War, Russia bayed for blood, stripping their own zone of everything from rail tracks to lavatory bowls. After the Reich is the first history to give the full picture of Germany's bitter journey to reconstruction. Giles Macdonogh expertly charts the varied experiences of all who found themselves in the German melting pot. His people-focused narrative unveils shocking truths about how people continued to treat each other, even outside the confines of war. It is a crucial lesson for our times.

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