A Short History of Europe

Discover the history of Europe - from the Dark Ages to present day - by the author of the bestselling A Short History of England

Europe is an astonishingly successful place. But it would take volumes to tell its story, right? Wrong. From warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom, Andrew Jenkins distils its evolution into this short, single-volume history.

From Greece and Rome, through the French Revolution to the Second World War and modern times. Taking in leaders such as Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, Wellington and Angela Merkel.
Sharing stories of cultural figures like Aristotle, Shakespeare and Picasso.

Jenkins brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale - all with his insight, colour and authority.

Review

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

About the Author

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.