Reconstruction of Western Europe, 1945-51

`Alan S. Milward is widely - and justly - regarded as one of the half-dozen leading economic historians of our time. To the long list of his earlier works of distinction he has now added one that is rather more contentious, though no less scholarly.' - Times Literary Supplement`This is an indispensable book for anyone who wishes to be able to discuss intelligently the reshaping of Europe after the war.' - Times Higher Education Supplement`The book is undoubtedly a major work of scholarship that is bound to exercise great influence on all future work on the period.' - Economic History Review`This is an important contribution which should be treated as essential reading for students of modern European history and politics. Milward argues his case vigorously and the book is enjoyable to read ...' - Political Studies`Overturns many recieved ideas about the political and economic policies and activities of the Western European nation states in the postwar period, and it does so on the basis of wide research in several languages and in many national archives ... a magisterial treatment of the subject. It cannot be too highly recommended.' - Political Quarterly

• List of figures, List of tables, Preface, List of abbreviations and conventions, I THE CRISIS OF 1947, II THE COMMITTEE OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, III THE EUROPEAN RECOVERY PROGRAMME, IV FRANCE AND THE CONTROL OF GERMAN RESOURCES, V THE DEPOLITICIZATION OF THE OEEC, VI FOREIGN TRADE AND PAYMENTS AND EUROPEAN RECONSTRUCTION, VII THE ADVENT OF THE CUSTOMS UNION, VIII PAYMENTS AGREEMENTS AND POLICIES IN WESTERN EUROPE, 1946-9, IX DEVALUATION AND THE SEARCH FOR A NEW AMERICAN POLICY, X THE EUROPEAN PAYMENTS UNION, XI THE 1949 RECESSION AND THE DIVERGENCE OF BRITAIN AND LITTLE EUROPE, XII THE SCHUMAN PLAN, XIII TOWARDS THE COMMON MARKET, XIV CONCLUSIONS, Appendix, Bibliography, Index