The Shortest History of Europe

Product DescriptionREAD IN AN AFTERNOON. REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME.In this short, entertaining and thought-provoking book, acclaimed historian John Hirst provides a fascinating exploration of the qualities that have made Europe a world-changing civilisation.Starting with a rapid historical overview from the ancient Greeks to the present day (the 'shortest history' itself), Hirst goes on to explore in detail what makes Europe unique: its political evolution; the shaping influence of its linguistic boundaries; the crucial role played by power struggles between Pope and Emperor; and of course the great invasions and conquests that have transformed the continent. Written with clarity, feeling and wit, The Shortest History of Europe is a tour-de-force: read in a single afternoon, it will be remembered for a lifetime. NB This is a updated and expanded edition, with new sections covering the industrial revolution, the world wars and the postwar period.Review'Beautifully and sparely constructed, yet rich in fact, feeling and detail'James Button'A wise, illuminating little book'>Sydney Morning Herald'An entertaining, learned piece of historical compression'The Age'Constantly thought-provoking'The Courier Mail'The balance of analysis and description, generalisation and specific instance, is beautifully maintained' ABR --...About the AuthorJohn Hirst (1942-2016) was a Australian historian and social commentator known for his 'fearless commitment to the rigorous pursuit of historical truth' (Jeremy Sammut). He taught at La Trobe University in Melbourne from 1968 until his retirement in 2006.