A Short History of Europe
From Pericles to Putin
Published on 8. November 2018
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-0-241-35250-2 (ISBN)
Description
The first short narrative 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.
Praise for A Short History of England
'A handsome book ... full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought' Michael Wood, New Statesman
***
'Europe's diversity and military supremacy, its dynamism and economic energy, its scientific prowess and cultural creativity give it a special place in human history. Even today, in a period of relative decline, it remains a magnet to refugees, migrants, scholars and travellers from across the world...
For all its oppressions, cruelties and ongoing mistakes, I see it as a remarkable corner of the globe.'
***
Praise for England's Thousand Best Houses
'Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book for Christmas...I can imagine no better companion on a voyage across England.'
Max Hastings, Daily Telegraph
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.
Praise for A Short History of England
'A handsome book ... full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought' Michael Wood, New Statesman
***
'Europe's diversity and military supremacy, its dynamism and economic energy, its scientific prowess and cultural creativity give it a special place in human history. Even today, in a period of relative decline, it remains a magnet to refugees, migrants, scholars and travellers from across the world...
For all its oppressions, cruelties and ongoing mistakes, I see it as a remarkable corner of the globe.'
***
Praise for England's Thousand Best Houses
'Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book for Christmas...I can imagine no better companion on a voyage across England.'
Max Hastings, Daily Telegraph
Reviews / Votes
A short, invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years -- Allan Massie * Scotsman * 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 Full of stand-out facts ... absolutely fascinating -- Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 2, on 'A Short History of England' Masterly, perhaps a masterpiece -- Independent, Books of the Year on England's Thousand Best Churches Jenkins is, like all good guides, more than simply informative: he can be courteous and rude, nostalgic and funny, elegant, convincing and relaxed -- Adam Nicolson on 'England's Thousand Best Houses' * Evening Standard * Full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought -- Michael Wood on 'A Short History of England' * New Statesman * Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book -- Max Hastings on 'England's Thousand Best Houses' * Sunday Telegraph * Jenkins has produced the sort of work that not only compacts people and places into manageable form but also has wit and insight enough to bring a sense of freshness even to a knowledgeable history buff * Booklist review *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 220 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Weight
644 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-35250-2 (9780241352502)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2018
1st Edition
Penguin Books Ltd
€9.49
Available for download
Person
Simon Jenkins is author of the bestselling A Short History of England, A Short History of Europe, Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations, England's Thousand Best Churches and England's Thousand Best Houses. He is a former Editor of the Evening Standard and The Times, and columnist for the Guardian.