A Short History of Europe

From Pericles to Putin

By: Simon Jenkins

Narrated by: Simon Jenkins

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Short History of Europe written and read by Simon Jenkins.   

Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, best-selling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom - a story that twists and turns from Greece and Rome, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the French Revolution, to the Second World War and up to the present day.  

Jenkins takes in leaders from Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc to Wellington and Angela Merkel as well as cultural figures from Aristotle to Shakespeare and Picasso. He brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale - all with his usual insight, colour and authority.  

Despite the importance of Europe's politics, economy and culture, there has not been - until now - a concise book to tell this story. Covering the key events, themes and individuals, Jenkins' portrait of the continent could not be more timely - or masterful.

©2018 Simon Jenkins (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Excellent

Excellent telling of a long and complicated history in a simple and easily digestible form.

Nothing new and from a very British point of view

I enjoyed it. It was a great tool to refresh my memory but it was so obviously pro-brexit that I started doubting the author and his integrity. I wouldn't recommend this book in general.

Consise, but useful.

The Book has a quality to it which (to any history interested reader) is reminiscent of Revision.


However it is a useful refresher of an overarching narrative of the whole of the story that causes Europe to be where it is today! and is seems to be singular in this function, and must therefore be commended.


I would recommend this book as a starter course to be taken immediately before delving into any of the other numerous Books on Audible which go into great depth on specific times or countries connected with European History!

Hard to understand the narrative

The story is really good and interesting but I guess that is something given when considering European history. it was really hard for me to keep with the pace of the narrative not sure if it was something on the speed, the accent or the voice of the narrator. I wish I could listen to this book again with a different narrator.

History of Europe with a lot of focus on the UK

Often hard to follow due to the insane amount off similar names, and with a very clear focus on the UK, still this book leaves you with a good understanding off Europe’s history.

Great overview, very fast-paced

Was a good general overview, but a bit too fast for listening. Had to stop and go back many times if the fact was unfamiliar. Neutral enough not to make anybody upset, still factual and interesting.

Quite a trip.

You are told at the beginning that the book will bring through a history, but nearly non stop. With that in mind, be prepared to investigate from what you hear.

Very very good

Loved it. A nice synopsis of Europe's past. Was a good length, not too long and drawn out.
Narrator was excellent.

Good but disjointed

I really enjoyed the short history of England, so decided to follow up with this. Alas it jumps around a bit too much, meaning the individual chapters are decent (although some are too brief) but the overall feel is disjointed.

Extremely well put together

Simon Jenkins reads his own, very well put-together book, with clarity and he communicates very well. There’s a good balance between fact and opinion and interpretation. Highly recommended.

It seems Europe never learns

Worth reading, helps to realise why the peace in Europe can not be taking for granted