The History Press acquires 'fresh and vital perspective' on German Empire

The History Press will publish Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire 1871–1918 by Katja Hoyer for 150th anniversary of the unification of Germany.

Commissioning editor Simon Wright acquired world rights including serial and audio rights directly from the author. Blood and Iron will be published in hardback on 14th January 2021.

The synopsis reads: "In a unique study of five decades that changed the course of modern history, Katja Hoyer tells the story of the German Empire from its violent beginnings to its calamitous defeat in the First World War. It is a dramatic tale of national self-discovery, social upheaval and realpolitik that ended, as it started, in blood and iron."

Wright said: "Katja Hoyer is a hugely exciting new voice in modern European history. In Blood and Iron she unravels the central paradox of the Second Reich—that it contains both the seeds of despotism in two world wars and the democratic values of a prosperous modern Germany. She brings a fresh and vital perspective to a truly fascinating period of history."

Hoyer commented: "In 1871, Otto von Bismarck set the stage for a fascinating cast of characters whose words and actions shaped Germany's quest for nationhood. As we look back on 150 years of German history, I wanted to give the people of the Second Reich a voice—from emperors and generals to workers and poets. I invite my readers to marvel with them at the speed of progress, to share their concern about international tension, to laugh at their jokes, to share in their anger and grief. It is time for them to step out of the long shadow of later events and take centre stage."

Hoyer studied at the Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena and graduated with a Master's in history with distinction. She was born in Germany and lives in Sussex. This is her first book.