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A Short History of Europe

From Pericles to Putin

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A Short History of Europe

By: Simon Jenkins
Narrated by: Simon Jenkins
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Short History of Europe written and read by Simon Jenkins.

Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, bestselling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom - a story that twists and turns from Greece and Rome, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the French Revolution, to the Second World War and up to the present day.

Jenkins takes in leaders from Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc, to Wellington and Angela Merkel, as well as cultural figures from Aristotle to Shakespeare and Picasso. He brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale - all with his usual insight, colour and authority.

Despite the importance of Europe's politics, economy and culture, there has not been - until now - a concise book to tell this story. Covering the key events, themes and individuals, Jenkins' portrait of the continent could not be more timely - or masterful.

 Ancient Eastern Europe Medieval Modern Middle Ages Western Europe Great Britain Inspiring Suspenseful French Revolution

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Critic reviews

A short, invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years (Allan Massie)
Simon Jenkins achieves a high ambition: a concise readable history of two millennia of European civilisation from its discernible origins to our present perplexities. In 305 pages! . . . An immensely rewarding book from a gifted writer (Harold Evans)
Full of stand-out facts ... absolutely fascinating (Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 2, on 'A Short History of England')
Masterly, perhaps a masterpiece (Independent, Books of the Year on England's Thousand Best Churches)
Jenkins is, like all good guides, more than simply informative: he can be courteous and rude, nostalgic and funny, elegant, convincing and relaxed (Adam Nicolson on 'England’s Thousand Best Houses')
Full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought (Michael Wood on 'A Short History of England')
Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book (Max Hastings on 'England’s Thousand Best Houses')
Jenkins has produced the sort of work that not only compacts people and places into manageable form but also has wit and insight enough to bring a sense of freshness even to a knowledgeable history buff
All stars
Most relevant
Very clear and engaging over view of European history. Easy to listen to in one go or in small parts.

Highly recommended

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Often hard to follow due to the insane amount off similar names, and with a very clear focus on the UK, still this book leaves you with a good understanding off Europe’s history.

History of Europe with a lot of focus on the UK

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Was a good general overview, but a bit too fast for listening. Had to stop and go back many times if the fact was unfamiliar. Neutral enough not to make anybody upset, still factual and interesting.

Great overview, very fast-paced

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A good listen and well read. Simon Jenkins covers the complex history with a thoughtful analysis which anyone wanting a quick briefing would be well advised to listen or read. Thank you.

A thoughtful analysis

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The Book has a quality to it which (to any history interested reader) is reminiscent of Revision.


However it is a useful refresher of an overarching narrative of the whole of the story that causes Europe to be where it is today! and is seems to be singular in this function, and must therefore be commended.


I would recommend this book as a starter course to be taken immediately before delving into any of the other numerous Books on Audible which go into great depth on specific times or countries connected with European History!

Consise, but useful.

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