Promotional Information

The first short narrative history of the continent, from the author of the bestselling A Short History of England.

About the Author

Simon Jenkins is author of the bestselling A Short History of England, A Short History of Europe, Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations, England's Thousand Best Churches and England's Thousand Best Houses. He is a former Editor of the Evening Standard and The Times, and columnist for the Guardian.

Reviews

A short, invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years
*Scotsman*

Simon Jenkins achieves a high ambition: a concise readable history of two millennia of European civilisation from its discernible origins to our present perplexities. In 305 pages! . . . An immensely rewarding book from a gifted writer
*Harold Evans*

Full of stand-out facts ... absolutely fascinating
*Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 2, on 'A Short History of England'*

Masterly, perhaps a masterpiece
*Independent, Books of the Year on England's Thousand Best Churches*

Jenkins is, like all good guides, more than simply informative: he can be courteous and rude, nostalgic and funny, elegant, convincing and relaxed
*Evening Standard*

Full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought
*New Statesman*

Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book
*Sunday Telegraph*

Jenkins has produced the sort of work that not only compacts people and places into manageable form but also has wit and insight enough to bring a sense of freshness even to a knowledgeable history buff
*Booklist review*