Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945

By: Tony Judt

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 43 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize • Winner of the Council on Foreign Relations Arthur Ross Book Award • One of the New York Times’ Ten Best Books of the Year

“Impressive . . . Mr. Judt writes with enormous authority.” —The Wall Street Journal

“Magisterial . . . It is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive, authoritative, and yes, readable postwar history.” —The Boston Globe

Almost a decade in the making, this much-anticipated grand history of postwar Europe from one of the world’s most esteemed historians and intellectuals is a singular achievement. Postwar is the first modern history that covers all of Europe, both east and west, drawing on research in six languages to sweep listeners through thirty-four nations and sixty years of political and cultural change—all in one integrated, enthralling narrative. The book incorporates international relations, domestic politics, ideas, social change, economic development, and culture—high and low. Every country has its chance to play the lead, and although the big themes are superbly handled—including the cold war, the love/hate relationship with America, cultural and economic malaise and rebirth, and the myth and reality of unification—none of them is allowed to overshadow the rich pageant that is the whole. Vividly and clearly written for the general listener, witty, opinionated, and full of fresh and surprising stories and asides, Postwar is a movable feast for lovers of history and lovers of Europe alike.

Both intellectually ambitious and compelling, thrilling in its scope and delightful in its small details, Postwar is a rare joy.

©2005 Tony Judt (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A book that has the pace of a thriller and the scope of an encyclopedia…A very considerable achievement…Brilliant." ( New York Review of Books)

“Remarkable…. The writing is vivid; the coverage—of little countries as well as of great ones—is virtually superhuman.” ( The New Yorker)

“Massive, kaleidoscopic, and thoroughly readable…[Judt’s] book now becomes the definitive account of Europe’s rise from the ashes and its takeoff into an uncertain future.” ( Time)

A Comprehensive History

It was much more than I was expecting. This is a comprehensive political, economic, social and military history covering, in great detail, the period from the last day of the war to the present day. This was very rewarding. I always wanted this book but didn’t know it existed.

Every North American should read this book

Rare is the history book that can put all the pieces together for such a complex and diverse period and place, but this book does and does it very well. I will not complain about its length, as some reviewers have. It held my attention very well and I was actually sorry when it was over because I wanted to keep hearing the author account for the years since its publication. I also thought the narrator’s tone and style were perfect for the job of telling history. His handling of words in many languages was excellent. Now that my circumstances have me traveling to Europe more frequently than I ever did before, I have really appreciated the new insights I gained from the book.

Sweeping, Impressive, Long

This was a great book summarizing history, politics and economy in Europe since 1945. At times more detail than you might care for on a particular subject, but well written and well narrated. I have given up on other audiobooks with similar level of detail, but enjoyed this one greatly. If you like Jared Diamond, you will like Tony Judt.

Unforgettable

Judt takes on perhaps the most ambitious historical task of his time--recounting half a century worth of globe spanning history. His achievement is truly remarkable. The book is brilliant and insightful from first to last and should be on everyone's reading list. Utterly breathtaking.

A little heavy on socialism....

What made the experience of listening to Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 the most enjoyable?

Hearing the evolution of Europe as we now know it.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Most interesting: The conditions existing that made the postwar treaties (esp Yalta) more understandable.

Least interesting: The harping on the European model for world government.

Which character – as performed by Ralph Cosham – was your favorite?

There were no real characters involved...

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Was not moved

Any additional comments?

no

Excellent, best work of history on Audible

This is the best work of history on Audible. I got Audible because of the range of non-fiction books not really carried by my local library. This is by far the best that I have listened to. It's a wonderful book and in an age of rising nationalism in Europe today, it is no less relevant than ever.

Incredible

Comprehensive and enlightening, this thorough examination of recent history is written with a steady pulse that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Stunning

I can't think of a history book that was more comprehensive yet so accessible. Brilliant.

great listen

What did you love best about Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945?

very comprehensive. discussed many topics.

Any additional comments?

very detailed overview of the topic, considering the shear breadth of the work.

Magnum Opus

Judt’s “Postwar” is one of the best works of history and analysis of Post WWII Europe ever written. Rich in detail, interesting sidebars and thoughtful (if sometimes controversial) analysis, Judt has created something unique in books of this kind.

The narrator, Ralph Cosham, is a pro with a posh English accent that feels pitch perfect. This is one of my favorite histories on Audible and I’ve listened to it multiple times.