The Shortest History of Europe

The Shortest History of Europe is a concise and engaging exploration of European history by celebrated historian John Hirst. Drawing from his lectures, Hirst presents a masterful overview of the continent's development, tracing its evolution from Ancient Greece through World War II. With over 600,000 copies sold worldwide, this brief history is 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 readers see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe—the crucible of liberal democracy—shapes the way we live today.