Publisher's Synopsis
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.
