Lothar Kettenacker studied in Frankfurt, Munich and Oxford before spending most of his career in the UK, where he was Deputy Director of the German Historical Institute, London. His most recent book written in English is Germany Since 1945 (1997).

• Introduction. I. Division through Zoning. II. Cold War Confrontation. III. Ostpolitik: Putting the East at Ease. IV. A Precarious Relationship. V. The People’s Revolution. VI. The Diplomatic Process. VII. An Expensive Take-Over Business. VIII. The Long Hangover. IX. A Crisis of Identity. X. Attempts at Explanation. APPENDIX. 1. Select Bibliography. 2. Chronology. 3. (Charts). 4. (Cartoons).

"Lothar Kettenacker’s story of the collapse of the German Democratic Republic in 1989 […] is by far the most satisfactory account I have read of the greatest change that occurred in the political landscape of the late-twentieth century. The author’s text is elegant, insightful, and sure-footed. The final, reflective chapter should give everyone prone to rush to early judgment of recent happenings some severe cause for pause. This is a lovely book."Paul M. Kennedy, Dilworth Professor of History and Director of International Security Studies, Yale University"This perceptive and highly readable account provides a much-needed historical context for the drama and discontents of German Reunification. It should find broad appeal among general readers and specialists alike."Paul Betts, University of Sussex, UK"Lucidly written and accessible, Lothar Kettenacker's book offers a vivid, informative and well-presented overview of the political and diplomatic history of German reunification."Riccardo Bavaj, University of St. Andrews, UK