H. W. Koch

Interesting and thorough book on Prussia. But......When I began reading the book I got about half way through the first chapter and stopped. I considered returning it to the library unread. I have never started a book only to give up on it. That should tell you something about the beginning of this work. However, instead of abandoning the book I skipped to the third chapter and continued reading. I am glad I finished the book. After finishing I went back to read the first 2 chapters.

This book contains a great deal of info. The problem is that many, many wars, treaties and places are mentioned without any references or much explanation. Consequently I found myself wondering what the historical significance was of all these various events. Once I cleared my mind of wondering about the detail, I found the book very informative about the development of Prussia. I have read other histories of Prussia. Even so, this book provided me with additional insights, particularly with regard to Prussia's experience with Napoleon. Given all the details, it is not an easy read. However, it is worth the effort to plough through.… (mere)

2239 A History of Prussia, by H. W. Koch (read 21 Oct 1989) The author is described as "a distinguished German historian" who has lived in Britain since 1952; he taught at the University of York. This book was first published in 1978. It covers Prussia from its beginnings with the Teutonic Order (began 1190 in Palestine) till Jan 28, 1871--when Prussia became submerged in Germany (though not till 1947 did Prussia formally cease to exist). This book is written in turgid German style--nothing in the book indicates it is a translation--but I found it absorbing. It is an interesting story, the author being rather defensive of Prussia. He says Prussia fused into Germany, not vice versa, and that Prussian policy in 1871 was replaced by German policy.… (mere)