European Empire

Penguin presents the unabridged audiobook edition of Empire by Niall Ferguson, read by Jonathan Keeble. Once vast swathes of the globe were coloured imperial red and Britannia ruled not just the waves, but the prairies of America, the plains of Asia, the jungles of Africa and the deserts of...

Brought to you by Penguin. Once vast swathes of the globe were coloured imperial red and Britannia ruled not just the waves, but the prairies of America, the plains of Asia, the jungles of Africa and the deserts of Arabia. Just how did a small, rainy island in the North Atlantic achieve all this?...

The medieval period has to be one of the most fascinating periods of history. With it comes the images of castles, knights, conquests, and, of course, kingdoms and empires. Every European empire and kingdom during this age is filled with exciting tales, shrewd plots for revenge or power, creation of a national identity enduring to the present day, and inventions with lasting influence.

The Holy Roman Empire lasted 1,000 years, far longer than ancient Rome. Yet this formidable dominion never inspired the awe of its predecessor. Voltaire quipped that it was neither holy, Roman, nor an empire. Yet as Peter H. Wilson shows, the Holy Roman Empire tells a millennial story of Europe better than the histories of individual nation-states.

Concluding his acclaimed series on the Eastern Front in World War I, Prit Buttar comprehensively details not only these climactic events, but also the "successor wars" that raged long after the armistice of 1918. New states rose from the ashes of empire and war raged as German forces sought to keep them under the aegis of the Fatherland. These unresolved tensions between the former Great Powers and the new states would ultimately lead to the rise of Hitler and a new, terrible world war only two decades later.

What accounts for the rise of the state, the creation of the first global system, and the dominance of the West? The conventional answer asserts that superior technology, tactics, and institutions forged by Darwinian military competition gave Europeans a decisive advantage in war from 1500 onward. Empires of the Weak argues that Europeans had no general military superiority in the early modern era. Sharman shows instead that European expansion is better explained by deference to strong Asian and African polities, disease in the Americas, and maritime supremacy earned by default.

Find out how the people of this country fought against nature to cultivate land below sea level. Discover how they survived wars, invasions, and natural disasters and developed a trading nation that would become the envy of Europe. Uncover the truth behind bloody battles fought between medieval royalty, warlords, and rebellious guilds of Dutch workers, all of which shaped the country we know today.

'A readable and very informative history packed with a wealth of splendid detail' Joyce Tyldesley OBE, author of Tutankhamun 'A brilliantly concise, but also entertaining, summary - in all its complexities - of an empire that spanned more than five centuries and three continents. Jacob skilfully...

Witness the epic military history of a rising Asian power crushing a European giant in a gripping clash of empires. Perfect for your daily commute, this tense and immersive narrative transports you to the brutal battlefields of 1904. Experience the geopolitical earthquake that forever shattered...

How the demise of the Habsburg Empire, postwar sovereignty, and new diplomatic frontiers shaped the nature of citizenship, identity, and belonging across Europe.

Orphans of Empire tells the story of what happened to the thousands of children who were raised at the London Foundling Hospital, Coram's brainchild, which opened in 1741 and grew to become the most famous charity in Georgian England. It provides vivid insights into the lives and fortunes of London's poorest children, from the earliest days of the Foundling Hospital to the mid-Victorian era, when Charles Dickens was moved by his observations of the charity's work to campaign on behalf of orphans. 

Unravel European history’s ultimate paradox through a vivid narrative of medieval power, faith, and political intrigue. Whether you are powering through your daily commute or seeking a thought-provoking deep dive into the past, this dramatic journey transforms a confusing fog of names and...

Discover the Holy Roman Empire: The Empire That Shaped Modern EuropeStep into the fascinating story of the Holy Roman Empire, a powerful force that connected the old world to the new. This audiobook shows how the empire's impact is still felt today, from the battles of World War I to the ideas behind Nazi Germany. Learn about the empire's rise to power and the rulers who changed history.

Dive into this gripping global history of how a small island weaponized naval supremacy to conquer and lose the world. Perfect for your daily commute, this thought-provoking narrative immerses you in the dramatic centuries of imperial trade, staggering profit, and violent anticolonial resistance...

Uncover the fierce conflicts and staggering economic power that drove the rise and fall of British colonialism. Whether you want a thought-provoking narrative for your daily commute or an immersive educational listen, this epic history tracks how a small island kingdom conquered the globe...

Trace the dramatic rise and ruin of Europe's most powerful royal dynasty in this epic historical narrative. Perfect for your morning commute, this sweeping saga transports you from the medieval Alps to the blood-soaked trenches of the First World War. Watch as minor counts use brilliant...

Explore the gripping European history of fallen empires and radical revolutions that forged our global geopolitics. Perfect for your daily commute, this dramatic narrative transforms centuries of fragmented timelines into a cohesive, thought-provoking journey. Experience the epic clash between...

Witness the dramatic fall of a multinational empire as surging nationalism sparks the origins of World War I. Perfect for your morning commute, this tense historical narrative explores the fragile house of cards that was Central Europe. Discover how medieval border lords forged a sprawling...

Witness the fierce resistance and relentless global trade that defined the turbulent history of British imperialism. From the bustling harbors of Hong Kong to the battlefields of Bengal, this gripping narrative captures the brutal rise and violent retreat of colonial conquest. Perfect for an...

Uncover the sweeping European history of a modest Atlantic frontier that transformed into a global maritime empire. Perfect for your daily commute or immersive travel preparation, this dramatic narrative brings centuries of conquest, trade, and cross-cultural encounters vividly to life. Follow...