A Concise History of Modern Europe

In this comprehensive and engaging book, Mason captures the major changes, revolutions, politics, and ideologies that shaped European societies. These developments include wars and political revolutions—such as those in 1789, 1917, and 1989—and economic, intellectual, and scientific revolutions. This narrative, therefore, touches on many interdisciplinary aspects of history: cultural, social, intellectual, political, and economic. These changes moved Europe by and large toward progress, integration, liberty, equality, and solidarity. Although the book broadly covers major European events, it is concise and rich in context. It is fascinating and clearly written to help readers learn the twisting and complex paths Europe has taken from the Enlightenment to the European Union and the evolution of the ideas of democracy, progress, and human rights from the era of absolute monarchy and divine right to a Europe united, democratic, and free. In tracing these developments, the book’s major contribution is its focus on major themes and ideas, showing how they have affected the European continent since the French Revolution. Recommended. Undergraduates through faculty and general readers. * Choice Reviews *
Concise yet still comprehensive, this book not only sketches the broader contours of modern European history since the French Revolution but also provides students with much-needed context. Clearly and superbly written with judiciously chosen sources that lend themselves to the analysis of major events and ideas, this book is the perfect basic text for upper-division courses on modern Europe. -- Thomas Earl Porter, North Carolina A&T State University
Mason’s book is a gem: a succinct, comprehensive, and engaging introduction to modern European history. -- Alan Cafruny, Hamilton College
This book captures the intertwined developments of regime change, ideological strands, historical events, and popular desires of Europe and presents them in a succinct and comprehensive manner. It serves as an indispensable compass through Europe’s complex modern history and politics. A must-read for everyone fascinated with the ‘old’ continent—a source of tradition and progress, peace and war, monarchs, nations, and integration. An excellent starting point for the exploration of ‘the soul’ of Europe. -- Spasimir Domaradzki, University of Warsaw