It has never been more important to understand the extraordinarily complex and tightly meshed history, geography, culture and politics of the European continent. As confidence in the post-war world order led by America and policed by NATO is shaken, as the US Trump administration cosies up to right-wing disruptors within Europe and the Russian dictator on its Eastern flank, the value of our nearest and closest neighbours is greater than ever. Garton Ash draws on a lifetime of reporting, analysis and consulting on Europe in this distilled and accessible, narrative driven and conversational introduction to what he calls the world''s oldest and newest continent. The methodology of Europe in 7 1/2 Chapters will be that of a CT-scan, dividing this vast subject into thin thematic slices which elucidate the whole. And he will begin by looking at Europe from the outside, acknowledging the legacy of colonialism and cultural imperialism, as he assesses the continent''s past achievements and future prospects. This will be an indispensable travel companion and primer - thoughtful, surprising, and highly entertaining.

Autorentext

Timothy Garton Ash is Professor of European Studies Emeritus at the University of Oxford and a columnist for the Guardian. He has lived and breathed European politics and culture for over fifty years, witnessing some of the most dramatic scenes in its history, meeting many of its key players and analysing how life has evolved for ordinary Europeans across the breadth of the continent.

He has won many prizes for his eleven previous books, including The File, his riveting autobiographical account of investigating the contents of his Stasi file after the fall of East Germany. His last book, Homelands: A Personal History of Europe, has appeared in twenty-three European languages.

Klappentext

What is Europe?

As the old world order crumbles, it has never been more important to understand the epic story of Europe - the world's smallest and largest, oldest and newest continent.

'A lifetime of learning condensed into 160 pages - full of fascinating nuggets and insights' SAM FREEDMAN

Europe is at once vast and intricate: you can have breakfast in Germany, coffee in the Netherlands and lunch in Belgium. It invented democracy but has fought nearly 3,000 wars in the last millennium. And its past is present everywhere: the borders of vanished empires still show up in election results today.

Brilliantly accessible yet profound, and fizzing with anecdote and expertise, Europe in 7 Chapters is an exhilarating journey through Europe's geography, history and culture - from wars and revolutions to food and football - which shows how Europe came to be as it is today: more united and more divided than ever. Can it still flourish in this dangerous new world, and even shape it for the better?

Whether you're looking for an introduction to the continent's breathtaking past or the perfect holiday read, you should have Europe in 7 Chapters in your pocket - it is witty, surprising and always entertaining.

Praise for Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash

'The perfect book for the present' TIMOTHY SNYDER

'Tremendously enjoyable' DOMINIC SANDBROOK

'A moving love letter to Europe' LEA YPI

'Readers could hardly wish for a wiser guide' FINANCIAL TIMES