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

The Shortest History of Europe begins with a rapid overview of European civilisation, describing its birth from an unlikely mixture of classical learning, 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.

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

'Crisp, lucid and evocative' - Australian Book Review

Chapter 1. Europe Classical and Medieval
Chapter 2. Europe Modern
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
Chapter 9. Industrialisation and Revolution
Chapter 10. Two World Wars