British historian Taylor (The Berlin Wall) surveys the occupation policies of the Allied victors, showing a variegated picture: brutal in the Soviet zone, relatively humane in the American, British, and French sectors, but everywhere a landscape of hunger, cold, and--in German eyes--humiliation. Taylor also examines how the efforts to bring to account millions of ex-Nazi Party members were erratic, corrupt, and ineffective.

Into the Reich -- Hoo-hoo-hoo -- The great trek -- Zero hour -- Through conquerors' eyes -- Hunger -- The price -- To the victors the spoils -- No pardon -- The fish and the net -- Persil washes white -- Divide and rule -- Hope -- Epilogue : the sleep cure.