Max Spindler's seven-part, highly acclaimed handbook of Bavarian history has made a comprehensive yet more concise overall presentation desirable, aimed at a broad readership. Andreas Kraus has presented a history of Bavaria in this book that describes the development of the state, society, and culture in Bavaria up to the present day. With the current expansion for the second edition of the work, he has achieved a modern representation that does not limit itself to the event and political history of Bavaria but appropriately includes economic and social history, cultural history, intellectual history, and the history of ideas. Thus, an informative history of Bavaria has emerged, covering a historical span of around 1300 years. It is aimed at anyone interested in history who wishes to learn about Bavaria's history from a regional, German perspective.