Author Description

This is the first in-depth analysis of social and political changes within the party structure of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the period 1954-1968 which have been largely misunderstood in the West. The book focuses on and provides detailed information about the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the dominant Communist organization in East Germany. Ludz investigates the party's organization, the development of the social structure of its Central Committee, and party ideology. The text is documented by extensive tabulated material, 59 detailed tables in all, containing data concerning shifts and longevity tendencies of Central Committee personnel and on other high-ranking party functionaries.