A Short History of Europe: From Pericles to Putin
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Short History of Europe written and read by Simon Jenkins. Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, best-selling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom – a story that twists and turns from
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Short History of Europe written and read by Simon Jenkins.
Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, best-selling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom – a story that twists and turns from Greece and Rome, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the French Revolution, to the Second World War and up to the present day.
Jenkins takes in leaders from Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc to Wellington and Angela Merkel as well as cultural figures from Aristotle to Shakespeare and Picasso. He brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale – all with his usual insight, colour and authority.
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, themes and individuals, Jenkins’ portrait of the continent could not be more timely – or masterful.
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A Useful Guide To European History From Ancient Greece To The Present. Jenkins writes elegantly about Europe. His book covers many centuries. At times the pace is bewildering. Inevitably, there are gaps and several major events are covered in very few pages. The general reader, however, should find the book full of interest. There is useful for synthesis but little new analysis. I surmise the book didn’t take very long to write.The word Europe emerged in the 6th century BC. It referred to the mainland north of Greece. It has never had…
Only for those have no knowledge of Europe If you have no knowledge of Europe this is a useful book. If you are educated and have read other books on European history then you will be bored witless. Reads like a school textbook, no synthesis of ideas, no consideration of the topography of Europe and the effect on the people and culture. Ditto the religious tension. I heard a podcast about this book and generally admire Simon Jenkins hence ordering the book. Disappointing. I rather thought I might be getting something along the lines of…
An excellent readable synthesis of a huge subject Simon Jenkins has written several very readable books. This one is no exception. If you are an expert in European history this may not be for you, but for the majority of us who have a fairly good understanding of the subject but no more this book builds upon that knowledge in a chronological and logical way. I see that some commentators here have, bewilderingly, criticised it for not being more detailed – and consequently given it a low rating – but the whole point of the book is set out in…