Reviewed Feb 2006 I had been looking for an “Idiots Guide” or “Dummy” book for German history, but had bypassed this book because I thought that there is so much more to German history than the Nazi. I didn’t realize that this book had more in it than the Nazi’s on the cover. I guess they did it so it would sell more copies. Probably worked. Bismark and William II and WWI. Reading this is a review and supplement to the last 5 weeks of class. So much is tied to Nazi history. You need all the background to understand WWII and just about everything done previous to WWII leads up to the war. I read this book in about 24 hours, and am exhausted, so much knowledge. I hope that with review in class and other readings this information will stick. Mostly what was covered in class fits what is read here. My professor lectures on more detail I think but a lot was here she does not mention. Great reference book, I guess I need to pick up more of these books to plug up holes in my education. The holocaust stories were kinds glazed over and I am really grateful for that. I have seen the Holocaust museum in L.A. twice and read lots about the horrors. I want to be able to sleep tonight - but the history of that time should not be forgotten. 3-2006 ( )