Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published) Media: Paperback Edition: New Ed Number Of Items: 1 Pages: 96 Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5 Dimensions (in): 8.7 x 7 x 0.2
essential history March 9, 2009 essential for any history enthusiast to further readings into the development of todays nations and their political demeanours
Packed full of useful info - a gem! November 13, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It is quite amazing how full of information such a slim volume (90 pages, plus an index of five pages) can be. If you read through the whole book in one go you feel like you've done a pretty good course - you won't be able to bluff a history prof, but for a while you can make sense of those complicated German states, those weird wars of the Spanish succession, Gustavus Adolphus, trade routes, population and religious trends... and of course Napoleon. There are 39 thematic maps, some of Europe (and then always in the same format, so it's easy to see changes) some of the World. The period covered is 1483 to 1815; the book is quite Europe-centered, but shows the expansion and voyages of discovery by European powers as well. There is some information on, say, the Manchu or Mogul empires, but not much. The maps as well as the text are highly practical, giving you detail but not drowning you at it; I think the author has struck a particularly good balance between overview and focus. Every time I go through, I learn - and it is also a particularly good (and not too large) companion to whatever history book you happen to be reading.
Highly recommended, as are all the others in this series.
A unique overview, a must have February 28, 2000 10 out of 12 found this review helpful
Along with the other books in this series that I have read, Ancient, Medieval and Recent History, this book is a solid and occasionally witty overview of the sweep of European development. It is fair to say that I have worn the book out as I often reread and refer to it. A must have on any bookshelf.
