A Short History of Europe by Simon Jenkins

Europe is one of the oldest and most widely studied continents. From the rise of the ancient Greek civilization to the modern European Union, Europe's history is complex and far reaching. In A Short History of Europe, author Simon Jenkins takes on the daunting task of summarizing over two thousands years of history into a concise single volume.

Jenkins begins the book by examining the fall of the Roman Empire and the European Dark Ages that followed. He then outlines the Renaissance and Reformation, followed by a discussion of the wars of religion and the birth of the modern nation-state. This period saw new challenges arise in the form of a massive population growth and increased competition for resources.

After this overview of European history, Jenkins looks at the rapid industrialization of the eighteenth century, which launched a new era of technological advancement, social reform, and geopolitical alignment. This period saw the rise of the nation-state which eventually led to the formation of the League of Nations and eventually the United Nations.

The twentieth century saw the creation of two World Wars, the fall of fascism, and the eventual creation of the European Union. Jenkins provides an overview of the European Cold War, including the tense nuclear stand-off between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the subsequent turmoil in the Balkans.

The book's concluding chapter looks at recent events in Europe, including the election of leaders with right-wing policies and the economic crisis of 2008. Jenkins also examines the rise of inflammatory nationalism and the refugee crisis that has followed, as well as the response of the European Union.

A Short History of Europe is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the continent's history, addressing complex issues in an accessible and concise manner. With decades of experience, Jenkins provides an informed overview to Europe's past and present events, offering a balanced assessment of the continent's development, successes and failures.