Splendidly researched, and with a striking new thesis, Robert Gerwarth’s book warns against assuming that the way things turned out was inevitable.

It is...a breath of fresh air to read Robert Gerwarth’s authoritative new account, which is the latest product of a vibrant Dublin research hub on modern European history.

... it’s salutary to have a fresh account of the birthing pains of that vaunted republic rather than another autopsy of its demise.

... polished.

... [a] thought-provoking and readable book.