Eighteenth Century Europe: Tradition and Progress, 1715-1789

The Norton History of Modern Europe #4

by Isser Woloch

The three-quarters of a century between 1715 and 1789 are often seen as the last years of Europe's old order. But a dramatic rise in Europe's population, the agricultural and industrial revolutions in Britain, and the unprecedented challenges of the Enlightenment began to shake the foundations of the old regime well before 1789. Drawing on the best contemporary scholarship, especially the innovations of French social history, Isser Woloch paints an unusually rich and detailed portrait of eighteenth-century European life and society. Among the new topics he covers are the family economy of the poor, popular culture and the circulation of books, changing patterns of crime and punishment, and the social history of military and religious institutions.

Genres: History, European History, 18th Century

364 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 1981

Reviews

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid history though one heavily focused on England and France. The opening and closing chapters were more international while still covering the two countries in pages and other countries in paragraphs.

[Cameron Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent scholarship and book feels good to hold.

[Jewels · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is a fairly comprehensive overview of European political, religious, and secular growth during the 1700's. It focuses mainly on the big three: England, France, and Spain, but does delve into the smaller countries as well. It ends with the revolutions in America and France (mainly America's impact on England during the revolution). All in all, it's a decent read for anyone interested in the progress made during that century in Europe.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social history of 18th century Europe. Very interesting!

[Annm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rad this book to gain background for my National Novel Writing Month, Nov1-30. It is Nov 5, s this is all the review I am going to write, because ai need to write my novel.

[Jody Noelle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written history text.

[Hqwxyz · Rating 3 out of 5]

由于强烈的受欧洲大革命的吸引，这本“革命前”的一册看得就很快，也没留下啥印象。不过启蒙运动和最后一章法国大革命前的描写还是很不错。