The Weimar Years

Rise and Fall 1918-1933

By: Frank McDonough

Narrated by: Paul McGann

Bloomsbury presents The Weimar Years by Frank McDonough, read by Paul McGann.

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Established in 1918–19, in the wake of Germany’s catastrophic defeat in the First World War and the revolution that followed swiftly on its heels, the Weimar Republic ushered in widespread social reform, a radical cultural flowering and the most democratic conditions the German people had ever known.

At its beginning, Weimar held out the hope that democracy, stability and prosperity would take root in Germany, but it was beset by frequent changes of government, waves of economic upheaval and spasms of violence of increasing intensity between the forces of left and right. Agitation and assassination by rightwing nationalists – enraged by the severity of the Treaty of Versailles and the acceptance of its terms by liberal German politicians – formed a threatening descant to the conciliatory efforts of successive coalition governments. Ultimately, the instabilities of Weimar would lead to the appointment as German Chancellor of the Nazi Fu¨hrer Adolf Hitler, who created a one-party dictatorship that abandoned the rule of law, democracy and civil rights. In the words of Gustav Stresemann, Germany’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning Foreign Minister from 1923 to 1929, Weimar democracy was ‘dancing on a volcano’.

The Weimar Years is a vivid and compelling narrative of a dramatic period in German history. Year by year, from 1918 to 1933, Frank McDonough covers the major events in both domestic and foreign policy and the personalities who shaped them, together with developments in music, art, theatre and literature. McDonough places particular focus on the parliamentary history of Weimar, arguing that it was the failure of parliamentary democracy to bring stability that eroded public confidence and allowed the power of the elected Reichstag to gradually diminish, culminating in Hitler’s accession to power in January 1933.

The Weimar Years is the tragic story of a rise and fall, as well as a warning of how, under poor leadership, economic pressure and unrelenting political volatility, a democracy can drift towards a form of authoritarian rule that eventually destroys it.

Critic reviews

Astonishing. A masterful account of the Weimar Republic that is the best I have ever read – and one that is destined to be a classic. An extraordinary achievement.

Magisterial, terrifyingly relevant and yet also a celebration of Weimar's delicious decadence: Frank McDonough's new Weimar Years, the latest in his outstanding series on Nazi rule and how it happened, combines scholarly research, narrative brio and lucid analysis in a work that enjoys the creativity and libertinism of Weimar - while chronicling its flaws and its rising darkness.

Yet again McDonough shows why he is one of the best chroniclers of 20th century Germany. This excellent book completes the set. Alongside his other volumes he now tells the whole story of Germany from one World War defeat to another. A giant achievement.

Frank McDonough has done it again. This authoritative guide to the fractured Weimar Republic is both well-considered and immensely readable. Superb.

Written with an easy style which belies its author’s erudition, The Weimar Years is a masterpiece of narrative history - and a poignant lesson in how democracy can fail.

[A] brilliant new book... shows with terrifying clarity that everything in global politics connects

[A] timely book, delivering a stark reminder of what happens when democratic foundations become eroded by social division and political apathy.

[McDonough] expertly guides the reader through the complex and heady events that led to the rise of Nazi Germany. This is compelling history writ large but with a judicious eye for detail

Quite simply, a book that must be read

Best History Books of 2023: depicts, with a fine narrative touch, this era as one of decadence and cultural and social experiment

Observer Best Books for Christmas 2023

a sparkling if unsettling account of the years after the end of the first world war, which were marked by economic desperation and repeated false dawns before the terrible reality of Hitler’s ascent to power. (Peter Frankopan)

The book’s most fascinating section is its chronicle of the complex web of events that led to Hitler’s chancellorship.

PRAISE FOR FRANK McDONOUGH:

'A masterclass in the history of Nazi Germany, with an internationally renowned expert as the teacher' Get History.

'What makes this volume really stand out is its stylish design and more than 80 coloured photographs, punctuating the account of Hitler's slow but inevitable march to war' Military History.

'An impressive tome, beautifully presented with a body of illustrations... It is as readable as it is authoritative. Rarely has the odious story of the Third Reich been so elegantly presented' History Today.

'I have read many books on the period and Frank McDonough's ranks above them all. Bravo' Danny Baker.

'McDonough writes clearly and readably with just enough detail on the huge canvas that he covers'

Brilliant dissection of the road to Hitler’s rise to power.

What an extraordinary listening experience ! What a cautionary tale! How little I knew about the Weimar years in Germany. Thanks to listening to this tour de force of historical analysis, I understand the past and the present a million times better - how mistakes made by so many leaders between 1917 and 1933 paved the path inexorably to A Second World War in which more than 40 million people died in the European theatre of war. Leaders matter! Hindenburg, according to the author, was the primary cause of the collapse of the democratic government of the Weimar Republic, and the ascension of Hitler as Chancellor on January 30, 1933. I had never understood how rational, good people voted for Hitler in democratic elections. After reading this book, I understand how this was possible, how the choices people make lead to their own tragic downfall, and to ruin and destruction for all.

The details

Loved this book. Very detailed, but doesn’t get lost in the weeds. A very relevant book.

Great subject, too many confusing political party names

Mostly about the many political parties with similar names, some about the culture and economics.

Biased historical fact telling

While the History is about Weimer Years, the authors does his best to sound slightly biased and constantly leading the listenner onto a path of justifications and actions that is judged based on today's standards, and that is what makes this book another Hollywood story...

Take it with a grain of salt, as you are being shaped to learn history...

An excellent history of the time period

This is a very detailed, systematic study of the Weimar Era. I really enjoyed the fact that it was divided by years instead of themes.
I wish I could give it a sixth star for its analysis of my favorite movie (Metropolis).
As an added bonus, Paul McGann’s narration is superb. His pronunciation of the various German words and phrases is flawless and unfaltering. Often when narrators come to foreign text in a book, they pause briefly or seem to stumble; not so with Paul McGann.
I definitely recommend The Weimar Years to anyone interested in either the time period or history in general.