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  • A Short History of Europe

  • From Pericles to Putin
  • By: Simon Jenkins
  • Narrated by: Simon Jenkins
  • Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (308 ratings)

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A Short History of Europe

By: Simon Jenkins
Narrated by: Simon Jenkins
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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
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What listeners say about A Short History of Europe

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent.

Very interesting account of European history. A good overview as a starter into the subject to then expand upon.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fluent and concise

Simon Jenkins has a gift for presenting broad history in a concise, clear manner. Without getting bogged down in detail, the long and storied history of Europe is told with a finger firmly on the pulse of changing political and cultural tides. Fantastic.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An engaging narrative from start to finish.

An engaging narrative from start to finish. Ideal for the novice readers and students alike.

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A look at European History from earliest times

Unfortunately this audio stops at 2018. It does not forced the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which could boil over to another global comflict, with China in the wings ready to pick up the scraps.
Very dangerous times for Europe, with the USA feeding weapons to Ukraine and egging on Europe for greater armed assistance and involvement.
A very good listen.

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Highly recommended

Very clear and engaging over view of European history. Easy to listen to in one go or in small parts.

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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.

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A thoughtful analysis

A good listen and well read. Simon Jenkins covers the complex history with a thoughtful analysis which anyone wanting a quick briefing would be well advised to listen or read. Thank you.

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