redrobinbookreviews

Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945   Tony Judt
Very well-written, highly intelligent history of Europe in the aftermath of World War II. Excellent overview and summary of the state and conditions in Europe at the end of the war. Also, a very good account of the conditions and circumstances of Europe’s political and, especially, economic recovery, by state. Really liked his use of film history and analysis as indicator of social conditions, and film attendance as sign of economic well being. Excellent account of the development of the European Economic Community (Common Market) and eventually European Union. Good information about the Hungarian (1956) and Czechoslovak (1968) invasions by the Soviet Union and causes. Excellent information on the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is a very good book.