Postwar

by Tony Judt
Postwar cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 644
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
theguardian.com · Unknown · 2025-09-24
comprehensive 4.50

Postwar by Tony Judt is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Europe's transformation after World War II. It offers a nuanced perspective on the political, social, and economic changes that shaped the continent.

Postwar by Tony Judt is a monumental work that delves into the intricate tapestry of Europe's post-war history. It provides a detailed account of the political shifts, economic recoveries, and social transformations that occurred across the continent. The book is particularly strong in its analysis of the Cold War era and the eventual integration of Europe. While some might find the sheer volume of information overwhelming, the depth of research and the clarity of Judt's writing make it a valuable read for anyone interested in modern European history. The author's ability to weave together diverse narratives into a coherent whole is commendable, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the period.

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    The book is a triumph of historical scholarship

    Judt's narrative is both sweeping and detailed

    It is a testament to the power of history to inform our present

newcriterion.com · Unknown · 2010-01-15
comprehensive 4.50

Tony Judt's 'Postwar' is a comprehensive history of Europe since 1945, exploring the continent's division, reconstruction, and unresolved questions about its identity. The book seamlessly interweaves east and west, culture and geopolitics, offering a nuanced view of Europe's past and future.

Tony Judt's 'Postwar' is a monumental work that delves into the history of Europe from 1945 onwards. The book highlights the continent's division post-World War II, with the eastern half suffering under Soviet control and the western half grappling with the legacy of the interwar years. Judt explores the unresolved questions about European values and identity, noting that the end of the Cold War did not provide clear answers. The book is praised for its historical scholarship, seamlessly interweaving cultural and geopolitical aspects. Judt presents a fair-minded assessment of Europe's achievements and failures, ultimately expressing faith in Europe's future despite its challenges.

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    As Tony Judt shows in Postwar, this sense of self-satisfaction was at least partly based on false consciousness.

    Judt tells us that before it is anything else, his book is a history of Europe's reduction - the loss of imperial and international status that followed from the Second World War.

    In the end, despite all of its disfiguring and sometimes hideous blemishes, he concludes his magisterial survey with a declaration of faith in Europe's future.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2005-12-02
good 4.00

Norman Davies praises Tony Judt's 'Postwar' for its comprehensive and personal narrative of Europe since 1945, highlighting Judt's qualifications as both a historian and journalist. The book is noted for its crisp style and engaging content, though it has some minor inaccuracies and omissions.

Norman Davies commends Tony Judt's 'Postwar' for its ambitious and personal interpretation of Europe's history from 1945 onwards. Judt's background in French intellectual history, his Jewish heritage, and his American perspective lend a unique angle to the narrative. The book is praised for its crisp writing style, engaging anecdotes, and comprehensive coverage of major events and figures. However, Davies notes some inaccuracies in terminology and a lack of depth in areas such as religion, music, and non-French cultural contributions. Despite these minor flaws, the book is seen as a significant contribution to contemporary history.

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    This is history-writing with a human face, as well as with brainpower.

    I particularly liked Franjo Tudjman being "notoriously ecumenical in his prejudices".

    The attack on the late pope as a "parochial" idolater is demeaning.

independent.co.uk · Unknown · 2005-10-28
intriguing 4.00

Tony Judt's 'Postwar' is praised for its comprehensive and detailed history of Europe post-1945, offering deep insights into various national experiences. However, the review critiques Judt's political views, particularly his stance on the Middle East and his perceived inconsistencies in political analysis.

Tony Judt's 'Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945' is celebrated for its vast scope and meticulous attention to detail, making it an enlightening read despite its length. The book covers a wide range of topics, from Central European Stalinism to nationalized healthcare schemes, and is noted for its ability to engage readers with complex historical narratives. However, the review also delves into Judt's personal and political views, particularly his advocacy for a one-state solution in the Middle East. The reviewer questions Judt's motivations and consistency, suggesting that his experiences and interactions have shaped his opinions in ways that may not always align with a balanced analysis. The review also touches on Judt's controversial stances on various political issues, including his criticism of certain intellectuals and his support for contentious foreign policy views.

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    Tony Judt still seems only to care about social democracy and European intellectual history despite his debilitation.

    I learned a great deal about Central European Stalinism from Postwar, and it’s a rare achievement for an encyclopedic history to allow a reader to breeze through 900 pages of Displaced Persons camps, Romanian Central Committee purges, and nationalized healthcare schemes, only to leave him only desiring more.

    Judt has turned his attention to a complicated and well-populated field, been found wanting in his analysis by those who’ve been at it longer and know more than he, and come away feeling martyred for his trouble.

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