"The book provides an extensive coverage of the subject . an excellent text for college or university courses on Germany, but should also be of interest to the general reader on at least two scores. It is a mine of information and analysis about Europe's key state. Southern's chapters . should be obligatory reading for all those interested in reforming the British constitution." Jonathan Story, Journal of Common Market Studies "This most timely textbook on the modern German polity . has stolen a march on competitors by including a unification dimension and it is to be very positively welcomed as an accomplished and up-to-date treatment. the volume is robustly authoritative and it will be a standard reference work.

Deserving of a key place in reference lists, it will measurably deepen the serious student's command of the subject . well produced and . reasonably priced." West European Politics "An excellent book; a first class analysis, a definitive reading list, and well structured 'user friendly' organisation of material." West European Politics.