The first short,single-volume history of the continent,from the author of the bestselling A Short History of England.
Europe has for two millennia been a remarkably successful continent. In this dazzling new history,bestselling author Simon Jenkins tells the story of its evolution from a battlefield of warring tribes to peace,wealth and freedom - a story that twists and turns from Greece and Rome,through the Middle Ages,Reformation and French Revolution,to the two World Wars and the present day.
Jenkins embraces individuals from Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc,to Wellington and Angela Merkel,as well as cultural figures from Aristotle to Shakespeare and Picasso. Tracing themes down the ages,from youthful ambition and religious conflict to geographical constraints and invasion,he brings together the key forces and dominant periods into one chronological narrative - all with his usual insight,colour and authority.
While experiencing almost constant turbulence,Europe has left an indelible mark on the world. How did one small continent become so powerful How did these diverse peninsulas and islands,over time,develop a collective consciousness How did diplomacy so often collapse into bloodshed,and what are the implications of this today
Despite the importance of Europe's politics,economy and culture,there has not been - until now - a concise book to tell this story. Covering the key events,eras and individuals,Jenkins'portrait of the continent could not be more timely - or more masterful.
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780241352526Number of pages: 400Weight: 320 gDimensions: 196 x 128 x 28 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Simon Jenkins achieves a high ambition: a concise readable history of two millennia of European civilisation from its discernible origins to our present perplexities. In 305 pages!... An immensely rewarding book from a gifted writer - Harold Evans
'A short,invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years'- Allan Massie,The Scotsman
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