A vibrant, singularly brief history of Europe, distilling the web of people and pivotal moments—from wars and treaties to nascent governments and simmering revolutions—that make up the origin story of the continent we know today

John Hirst (1942–2016) was a celebrated historian and social commentator whose notable history books include Australian History in Seven Questions and The Australians. A history professor at La Trobe University for almost 40 years, he lived in Melbourne, Australia.

Contents:
 
Introduction
               Shortest History
               Chapter 1: Europe Classical and Medieval
               Chapter 2: Europe Modern
Interlude: The Classic Feeling
               Longer History
               Chapter 3: Invasions and Conquests
               Chapter 4: Forms of Government I
               Chapter 5: Forms of Government II
               Chapter 6 -: Emperors and Popes
               Chapter 7: Languages
               Chapter 8: The Common People
Interlude: What Is It About Europe?
               Destructive Forces
               Chapter 9: Industrialization and Revolution
               Chapter 10: Two World Wars
List of Maps & List of Images