The Development of European Civilization

By: Kenneth R. Bartlett, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kenneth R. Bartlett

Length: 24 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

In almost every way that matters, historical Europe was the laboratory in which the world you now live in was conceived and tested. And you'll be living with the consequences for the rest of your life. These 48 lectures lead you through the doors of that laboratory and guide you through the development of Europe from the late Middle Ages through the eve of World War II.

As you follow Professor Bartlett through the dramatic story of European history, you'll learn about the major ideologies and "isms" that bubbled forth from Europe's constantly fermenting cauldron of debate and conflict, including absolutism, scientism, rationalism, capitalism, nationalism, liberalism, and totalitarianism. You'll investigate the forces that intermingled to create the Industrial Revolution and the accompanying economic and social upheavals that would, in turn, create so many more. You'll also make sense of the European ideologies of government, including the rule of law, the concept of "the consent of the governed," taxation, an independent judiciary, and other concepts. You'll explore the new roles for religion in European life, from the end of the traditional union of altar and throne to great upheavals such as the Protestant Reformation and the Great Schism. And you'll witness the evolution of the European class system, which influenced the social forces that swirled around it just as much as it was influenced by them.

Rather than offering a laundry list of dates, events, and famous individuals, Professor Bartlett leaves you instead with an understanding of historical and social causality. More important: He offers you the chance to experience Europe's development from a European perspective.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses

10/10 would recommend

I loved this course! I used it for studying for my AP European History class, and it was insanely helpful.

7 people found this helpful

Fascinating subject, well presented

The lecturer knows his subject and speaks comfortably. I knew very little about European history before listening, but feel I could contribute to an intelligent conversation now. I like how he explained the circumstances on how specific wars started-- from early history to both world wars. Especially eye opening was how Darwinism, Marxism, and other European philosophers of pre World War I shaped thought of the day that set the stage for both WWI and WWII. He made the topics flow naturally into on another, to show how Europe has evolved.

6 people found this helpful

The Development of Some European Civilizarion

A fine job with the dominant European cultures, such as Britain, France, and Germany, with less emphasis on the other European states.

8 people found this helpful

Fantastic detailed and insightful European history

I have read and listened to many history books. This was easily one of the best.

The lecturer is knowledgeable and passionate. His narration was enjoyable. Even though there was a lot of detail, I was never bored during the 24 hours and 32 minutes.

More importantly, I learned a lot. Professor Bartlett provides context and a unique point of view as he explains not only the historical events, but how the mindset and knowledge of the Europeans evolved across the past few centuries.

It's really an amazing feat to condense so much history and so much knowledge in only 24 hours. I highly recommend this book.

2 people found this helpful

Interesting Course

Overall, this is an interesting course and was worth my time. The goal of the course is to explain the development of European civilization over an approximately five hundred year period. The course assumes a basic knowledge of European history, so this is not the place to start if you do not already have a good overview. I'm docking the course one star because the professor is at times a little too opinionated or conclusory in his interpretation of events. I like this course best for the way that it pulls different aspects of European history over the last half-millennium into one course with an attempt to weave the experiences of disparate groups into one. He achieves this by looking at the development of Germany, Italy, Spain, France and England for the most part. Again, this is not for a beginner in history, but it provides new perspectives to people with a good basic understanding of European history.

1 person found this helpful

Fabulous course in content, organization, delivery

Would you listen to The Development of European Civilization again? Why?

Absolutely the best audio course that I've ever had.
I will listen to it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Development of European Civilization?

Understanding the development of the different empires of Europe

Which scene was your favorite?

How the German and Austrian empires development.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

Clarity of organization of information of all of the major empires of Europe.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting synthesis

What other book might you compare The Development of European Civilization to and why?

Along the lines of a Western Civ class.

Any additional comments?

Along the lines of a Western Civ class. The professor does a great job discussing the underlying developments and themes of European history.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent survey course

Professor Bartlett organized his course around the religious, social and scientific beliefs and theories that emerged and morphed during the long period under review. The emerging value systems challenged the orthodoxy of the time and explain the conflicts and insurrections that mark Europe's history and justify its characterization as "the dangerous continent."
Professor Bartlett's lectures were well organized and well-delivered with occasional snippets of wry humor. A very competent treatment of the subject matter!

2 people found this helpful

Development of European Civi

Full of great information. I love history and this is very good. Wish I could remember half of what Dr. Bartlett says! Definitely recommend this course.

It was fine

Information was interesting. There were a few things I hadn’t heard in other courses, but at some point it got annoying. How many times can one person say “moreover” in the course of 24 hours? Ask this professor and the answer will be at least twice a sentence. Also the word peninsula is not pronounced like that. Ever. I cringed every time he said it and it was a lot.

A book of important insights that are important.

As a sociologist I found the book to be full of illumination and a rich data source. Highly recommended listen.

4 people found this helpful

Good review of European history

What made the experience of listening to The Development of European Civilization the most enjoyable?

clear delivery and concise and interesting content

Who was your favorite character and why?

na

What about Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett’s performance did you like?

all of it

Any additional comments?

Anyone should listen who wants to back up his knowledge of European history

2 people found this helpful

Very educational

This took me a long time to get through. Listening in small chunks. However it is one of the most educational and helpful things I’ve listened too. Thought provoking and helpful in understanding the way the world is today.

It is a little bit dry but in 30 min sections is manageable and broken down nicely. Each chapter is coherent and linked.

I enjoyed this learning experience

Great introduction to European Civilisation

The course primarily focuses on European development between the Renaissance and the second world war. The lecturer does a fantastic job if picking out the key people and events that best exemplify the turning points and principles of Europe, without getting too bogged down in the details of any particular period. This is a difficult task given the broad sweep of the course and the time scales involved and the lecturer handles it well.

ought to be compulsory listening!

amazing overview of european history from the persepective of politics, society and culture. very easy to listen to the lecturer. thoroughly enjoyed.