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  • A Short History of Europe

  • From Pericles to Putin
  • By: Simon Jenkins
  • Narrated by: Simon Jenkins
  • Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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A Short History of Europe

By: Simon Jenkins
Narrated by: Simon Jenkins
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Publisher's Summary

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, best-selling 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.

©2018 Simon Jenkins (P)2018 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about A Short History of Europe

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A fascinating tour of Europe

I found the narrative easy to listen and I felt comfortable in following the speaker. This short history can be a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a more detailed account. A good start for beginners.

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Thoughtful and balanced

Simon Jenkins gives a history that is detailed and which accepts the complexities of this subject. He does not try to shoe-horn the facts into a simplistic narrative. One particular piece of history whose importance I had not previously recognised was the horrors of the Thirty Years War that preceded Europe’s nation-forming phase. This gave us the building blocks that Europe’s future must now be fashioned from.

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Does what it says on the cover

This is a superficial survey - which is exactly what i wanted and expected. A good overview that enables an orientation to what you might want ro explore in more detail elsewhere.

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