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Celebrated historian John Hirst draws from his own lectures to deliver this ultra-accessible master class on the making of modern Europe, from Ancient Greece through World War II. With over 600,000 copies sold worldwide, this brief history is a global sensation propelled by a thesis of astonishing simplicity: Just three elements-German warfare, Greek and Roman culture, and Christianity-come together to explain everything else, from the Crusades to the Industrial Revolution. Hirst's razor-sharp grasp of cause and effect helps us see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe-the crucible of liberal democracy-shapes the way we live today.
List of contents
Contents:
Introduction
Shortest History
Chapter 1: Europe Classical and Medieval
Chapter 2: Europe Modern
Interlude: The Classic Feeling
Longer History
Chapter 3: Invasions and Conquests
Chapter 4: Forms of Government I
Chapter 5: Forms of Government II
Chapter 6 -: Emperors and Popes
Chapter 7: Languages
Chapter 8: The Common People
Interlude: What Is It About Europe?
Destructive Forces
Chapter 9: Industrialization and Revolution
Chapter 10: Two World Wars
List of Maps & List of Images
About the author
John Hirst (1942–2016) was a celebrated historian and social commentator whose notable history books include Australian History in Seven Questions and The Australians. A history professor at La Trobe University for almost 40 years, he lived in Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
Uncover the decisive moments that shaped a world-changing continent. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
Propelled by a thesis of startling simplicity, celebrated historian John Hirst’s fast-paced account of the making of modern Europe—from Ancient Greece to today—illuminates the continent as never before. Just three elements—German warrior culture, Greek and Roman learning, and Christianity—account for everything from the Crusades to the Industrial Revolution. Hirst’s razor-sharp grasp of cause and effect helps us see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe—and the crucible of liberal democracy—shapes the way we live now.
