A Concise History of Modern Europe: Liberty, Equality, Solidarity - Hardcover

Mason's book is a gem: it's well-written, succinct, and does exactly what I need it to do. -- Alan Cafruny, Hamilton College David Mason's account of European history from the Enlightenment to the present offers an authoritative synthesis of major developments in this diverse and complex period. Written in a lucid and engaging style, clearly structured and concise, this survey is both comprehensive and readable. It is well suited as an introductory textbook for college undergraduates. -- Jolanta T. Pekacz, Dalhousie University

Highlighting the key events, ideas, and individuals that have shaped modern Europe, this fresh and lively book provides a concise history of the continent from the Enlightenment to the present. Drawing on the enduring theme of revolution, David S. Mason explores the political, economic, and scientific causes and consequences of revolution; the development of human rights and democracy; and issues of European identity and integration. He deliberately avoids a detailed chronology of every country and time period by emphasizing the most crucial events that have shaped Europe. Fourteen focused chapters address such topical issues as the Enlightenment; the French Revolution and Napoleon; the Industrial Revolution; the theories and impact of Marx and Darwin; the revolutions of 1848, 1917, and 1989; the unifications of Germany and Italy; European imperialism; the two world wars; the Cold War; the evolution and expansion of the European Union; and current challenges confronting Europe. Any reader who wants a broad sweep of European history will find this book an engaging narrative, supplemented with maps, timelines, sidebars, photos, and a glossary.