Uncover the decisive moments that shaped a world-changing continent. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.

Propelled by a thesis of startling simplicity, celebrated historian John Hirst’s fast-paced account of the making of modern Europe—from Ancient Greece to today—illuminates the continent as never before. Just three elements—German warrior culture, Greek and Roman learning, and Christianity—account for everything from the Crusades to the Industrial Revolution. Hirst’s razor-sharp grasp of cause and effect helps us see with sparkling clarity how the history of Europe—and the crucible of liberal democracy—shapes the way we live now.

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