Berlins Black Market 1939-1950 [Hardcover]

This book puts the illegal economy of the German capital during and after World War II into context and provides a new interpretation of Germany's postwar history. The black market, it argues, served as a reference point for the beginnings of the two new German states.

1. Prologues
2. The Wartime Networks: The Martha Rebbien Case
3. Destruction, Disorientation and New Patterns of Order: Changes in the Black Market Landscape during the Transition from War to Postwar
4. Black Markets from the End of the War to the Currency Reform
5. Stories of a New Beginning: The Economy of the Streets between the Currency Reform and the 'Economic Miracle'
Conclusion: Black Market Trading as a Radical Experience of a Free Market

This fascinating book responds to a strange paradox in the history of Germany after 1945. & Zierenbergs book gives readers a rich cultural and social as well as economic history of Berlins black markets. & the publishers clearly made the right decision when they decided to have Zierenbergs book translated into English & thus making it available to a wider audience of English-speaking readers. I think they will find this book as fascinating and thought provoking as I did. (David F. Crew, Journal of Modern History, Vol. 89 (4), December, 2017)

Central Europeanists with a focus on urban history, the history of everyday life, and the culture of consumption in Berlin during the first half of the twentieth century will read Malte Zierenbergs recent monograph with keen interest and appreciation. & Berlins Black Market offers a fresh perspective on Berliners experiences through several transitional periods with an emphasis on the micro-level economy and the culture of consumption. The books sophisticated methodological approach is to be applauded. (Matthew Berg, H-German, H-Net Reviews, h-net.org, November, 2016)

Malte Zierenberg is an AssistanlcÀ