The Shortest History of Europe

By: John Hirst

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Celebrated historian John Hirst offers a fascinating exploration of the qualities that made Europe a world-changing civilization. 

The Shortest History of Europe begins with a rapid overview of European civilization, describing its birth from an unlikely mixture of classical learning and Christianity and German warrior culture. Over the centuries, this unstable blend produced highly distinctive characters - pious knights and belligerent popes, romantics spouting folklore and revolutionaries imitating Rome - and its coming apart provided the dynamic of European history in modern times. 

The Shortest History of Europe is a clear, humorous and thought-provoking account of a remarkable civilization. This new edition brings the story into the present, covering the world wars and beyond.

©2009 John Hirst (P)2019 Tantor

Very well written!

Amazing! I show it to everyone I know fascinated with History; and they love it. Very granular details I wish we learned in history class!

Great read

Fantastic read that sums up much of what you would want to know about the whole of European history. The books stops shortly after world war 2 and doesn't get into much of the cold war. Very very informationally dense but lots of good nuggets

Concise, general overview (insightful & clear)

This book is extremely concise and general, but also insightful and provides interesting links between major points in history. Excellent intro to the topic.

lives up to the title

the reader was clear and kept a good pace. The material summarizes European history providing a solid framework for deeper dives.

Great synopsis

I loved the general overview of European history. There is so much to learn, but this gave a great foundation.