I need a summary of each chapter of the book Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt.

Although our Question and Answer section at is not equipped to provide detailed chapter summaries in this way, I can definitely touch on the general summation of each chapter (and each larger part) separately for you.

Let us begin with a general summary and then explore Part 1-4 with their separate chapters.  This is a book that was much anticipated in that it is one of the first of its kind:  a full history of postwar Europe from a noted historian.  It is a modern history that covers both Eastern Europe as well as Western Europe.  Its research involved in-depth study of six languages and more than thirty nations and over sixty years. 

Part 1 of Postwar is aptly titled "Post-War: 1945-1953."  No surprises here.  There are seven chapters here, each with their different nuances.  First, the author speaks of the "legacy" of war, and specifically of World War II.  Next, the idea of "retribution" and "rehabilitation" of Europe where the Germans, especially, chastise and even over-correct themselves.  The next two chapters have to do with a settlement that is "impossible" while leading directly to the Cold War of nuclear prowess.  The author then describes the "whirlwind" that lead to later culture wars between European countries and cried the end of "Old Europe."

Part 2 of Postwar is aptly titled "Prosperity and its Discontents: 1953-1971."  The title is a bit more explanatory than the title of the first part.  Yes, this part is about the prosperity of Europe, but also about the problems that this prosperity caused.  The first chapter in this part deals with postwar politics and follows with the loss of dreams as well as the age of "affluence."  Further chapters in this part have to do with the rise of Social Democracy as a party as well as the possibility (although never the reality) of revolution at that time.

Part 2 of Postwar is called "Recessional:  1971-1989."  This part begins with the smaller expectations of the "new" Europe and continues with the emergence of Eastern and Western Europe, especially in regards to Berlin (and Germany as a whole).  There are new politics discussed as well as transitions.  Eastern Europeans are often viewed as "powerless" and a chapter is devoted to them.  The last chapter is deemed "The End of the Old Order."  This part, of course, ends with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Finally, Part 3 of Postwar is called "After the Fall: 1989-2005" and includes the time after the fall of the Berlin Wall until the writing of the book.  Its chapters focus upon the variety of life within the continent of modern Europe and what that variety means in regards to daily life.  One of the chapters is devoted to "Old Europe" vs. "New Europe" and the differences between the two.  Often cities are even divided:  Salzburg, Austria is a perfect example.

In conclusion, a summary doesn't do this book justice in that it is such a long-anticipated work.  Further, there are minute details that are interesting in the midst of the grand scope of the history.  All the while, the book reads like a narrative, making is a compelling read and a lot more than just the sum of its chapters.