Autorentext
John Hirst (1942–2016) was a celebrated historian and social commentator whose notable history books include Australian History in Seven Questions and The Australians. A history professor at La Trobe University for almost 40 years, he lived in Melbourne, Australia.

Klappentext

Uncover the decisive moments that shaped a world-changing continent. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.

Propelled by a thesis of startling simplicity, celebrated historian John Hirst’s fast-paced account of the making of modern Europe—from Ancient Greece to today—illuminates the continent as never before. Just three elements—German warrior culture, Greek and Roman learning, and Christianity—account for everything from the Crusades to the Industrial Revolution. Hirst’s razor-sharp grasp of cause and effect helps us see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe—and the crucible of liberal democracy—shapes the way we live now.

Zusammenfassung
An astonishingly clarifying chronicle of the decisive moments that shaped a world-changing continent

Propelled by a thesis of startling simplicity, celebrated historian John Hirst’s fast-paced account of the making of modern Europe—from Ancient Greece to today—illuminates the continent as never before. Just three elements—German warrior culture, Greek and Roman learning, and Christianity—account for everything from the Crusades to the Industrial Revolution. Hirst’s razor-sharp grasp of cause and effect helps us see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe—and the crucible of liberal democracy—shapes the way we live now.

Inhalt
*Contents:*
 
Introduction
               Shortest History
               Chapter 1: Europe Classical and Medieval
               Chapter 2: Europe Modern
Interlude: The Classic Feeling
               Longer History
               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
Interlude: What Is It About Europe?
               Destructive Forces
               Chapter 9: Industrialization and Revolution
               Chapter 10: Two World Wars
List of Maps & List of Images