The Shortest History of Europe

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. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.

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.

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