The Oxford History of Modern Europe - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192853716 ISBN 13: 9780192853714

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Written by an international team of leading scholars, The Oxford History of Modern Europe traces Europe's turbulent history, from the beginnings of the Revolution in France to the dawn of two world wars to the breakup of the Soviet Union to today's kaleidoscope of nation-states. The achievements (and failures) of key figures from many arenas--politics, technology, warfare, religion, and the arts among them--are drawn vividly, and social, cultural, and economic insights are included alongside the record of geopolitical strife. We read of the personality cult as exemplified by the Soviet portraits glorifying Lenin; the importance of the nylon stocking in the post-World War II economic boom; the influence of religion as five new nations (Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania) emerged between 1871 and 1914--an influence that continues to be both vigorous and deadly; and the confrontation between traditional and modern cultures captured as the railway age began in Russia.

Insightful, provocative, and intellectually rewarding, this book offers an unparalleled, informed perspective on the history of the continent.

About this title

Review:

In the introduction to the Oxford Illustrated History of Modern Europe, T.C.W. Blanning argues that, in many ways, the essence of modern man is that he is self-consciously dynamic. We are attracted to change--it captures the eye much more than stability. This excellent book reveals much about the things that have changed in Europe since 1789--and, just as importantly, the things that have remained constant. The eleven essays in this collection (written by some of the biggest names in the field of European history, such as Princeton's Harold James, U.C. Berkeley's Martin Jay, and Richard Overy of King's College, London) focus on various aspects of European society, from politics and economics to high culture and social structures, and analyze both the changes and the engines of those changes. In his standout essay on the changing nature of warfare, 1789-1918, Hew Strachan argues that this military modernization cannot simply be explained by new technology and that more emphasis must be placed on changing ideas. Strachan and the other authors for the most part eschew jargon and present an authoritative set of essays complemented by over 240 arresting color and black-and-white illustrations. Many of the chapters would be suitable readings for upper-division history courses, and the thorough index, detailed chronology, and suggestions for further reading would be a great help to students. This book is accessible to the general reader while remaining valuable to the scholar--and is immensely readable to boot. --C.B. Delaney

About the Author:

T. C. W. Blanning is Professor of Modern European History at the University of Cambridge and the author of many books, including several definitive works on the French Revolution.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0192853716
• ISBN 13: 9780192853714
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 408
• Editor: Blanning T. C. W.