Europe - by Norman Davies (Paperback)

About the Book

This bestselling masterwork chronicles the entire history of Europe, from the Ice Age to the Information Age, in one fascinating and information-packed volume. "A magisterial work, sweeping in its analysis, illuminating in its insights, and erudite in its scholarship".--Zbigniew Brzezinski. 72 illustrations. 100 maps. Index.

Book Synopsis

Here is a masterpiece of historical narrative that stretches from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age, as it tells the story of Europe, East and West. Norman Davies captures it all--the rise and fall of Rome, the sweeping invasions of Alaric and Atilla, the Norman Conquests, the Papal struggles for power, the Renaissance and the Reformation, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, Europe's rise to become the powerhouse of the world, and its eclipse in our own century, following two devastating World Wars. This is the first major history of Europe to give equal weight to both East and West, and it shines light on fascinating minority communities, from heretics and lepers to Gypsies, Jews, and Muslims. It also takes an innovative approach, combining traditional narrative with unique features that help bring history alive: 299 time capsules scattered through the narrative capture telling aspects of an era. 12 -snapshots offer a panoramic look at all of Europe at a particular moment in history. Full coverage of Eastern Europe--100 maps and diagrams, 72 black-and-white plates. All told, Davies's Europe represents one of the most important and illuminating histories to be published in recent years.

Review Quotes

"The book's true originality lies in its all-inclusive scope and erudition, and literary panache with which the story of Europe is told." -- Time (Atlantic edition)

"Davies's copious unfolding of the entire course of European history exhausts the subject but certainly not the reader, for he maintains a remarkable fluidity throughout." -- Booklist (starred review)

"At last, a truly pan-European history that rests firmly on solid scholarship and exhibits wisdom and literary elegance; highly recommended." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"A magisterial work, sweeping in its analysis, illuminating in its insights, and erudite in its scholarship." -- Zbigniew Brzezinski

"Davies reveals a comprehensive design, tremendous narrative power, a remarkable gift for compression, and a shrewd sense of overall balance." -- New York Review of Books