Why the Germans Do it Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country (Hardback)

Excellent and provocative... a passionate, timely book. - Sunday Times

A fine new book... One of the best English-language introductions in recent years to modern Germany and its politics: thoughtful, deeply reported and impeccably even-handed. - The Times

A rich guide to modern Germany... For the British readers this book is directed at, the implied contrasts are startling. German conservatism produced Angela Merkel, easily the most respected democratic leader in the world, while the English variety produced Boris Johnson. - Guardian

Authoritative, timely and courageous, this is a compellingly readable book that raises profoundly important questions on history, our times and the future. - Philippe Sands, bestselling author of 'East West Street' and 'The Ratline'

Passionate yet carefully argued, 'Why The Germans Do It Better' is a must-read. - James Hawes, author of 'The Shortest History of Germany'

Smart, provocative and entertaining, this is a timely and enthralling love letter to our much misunderstood near neighbour. - Kay Burley

A forensic and highly readable account of Germany's ability to get things right. Kampfner's clear and unanswerable argument should be compulsory reading for every politician, civil servant and commentator in Britain. - John Simpson

We need a great book on Germany as the Merkel era ends: this is that book. It confronts the country's history, and charts with authority and affection its modern course with lessons for us all. - Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent

Kampfner's admiration of what post-war Germany has achieved doesn't blind him to her imperfections. Why the Germans Do It Better abounds with sharp analysis and telling anecdotes. A lively, very readable introduction to a country we ought to understand a lot better than we do. - David Lidington

One of Britain's most distinguished political writers. - Mail on Sunday

A fascinating, affectionate and deeply researched portrait of Germany in the modern era -- Kampfner vividly brings Germany's turbulent history to life, and explains its profound influence on Europe today. Why The Germans Do It Better is essential for all who want to understand what Britain should do post-Brexit. - Sir Anthony Seldon, author of May at 10

Germany's success in tackling the great pandemic of 2020 has surprised many. John Kampfner shows why it should not have done so. This is a compelling account of how, in two generations, a country adopted the principles of liberal democracy, then mastered them, and now has more to teach us than we might wish to admit - Baroness Catherine Ashton, former EU High Representative and former Leader of the House of Lords.