Europe in 7 1/2 Chapters: The Shortest Introduction to the World's Oldest and Newest Continent

by Timothy Garton Ash

What is Europe?

As the old world order crumbles, it has never been more important to understand the epic story of Europe – the world’s smallest and largest, oldest and newest continent.

'A terrific book – deeply knowledgeable, extremely informative and brilliantly written with verve and sparkling wit' IAN KERSHAW

‘A lifetime of learning condensed into 160 pages – full of fascinating nuggets and insights’ SAM FREEDMAN

Europe is at once vast and you can have breakfast in Germany, coffee in the Netherlands and lunch in Belgium. It invented democracy but has fought nearly 3,000 wars in the last millennium. And its past is present the borders of vanished empires still show up in election results today.

Brilliantly accessible yet profound, and fizzing with anecdote and expertise, Europe in 7 ½ Chapters is an exhilarating journey through Europe’s geography, history and culture – from wars and revolutions to food and football – which shows how Europe came to be as it is more united and more divided than ever. Can it still flourish in this dangerous new world, and even shape it for the better?

Whether you're looking for an introduction to the continent’s breathtaking past or the perfect holiday read, you should have Europe in 7½ Chapters in your pocket – it is witty, surprising and always entertaining.

Praise for Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash

‘The perfect book for the present’ TIMOTHY SNYDER

‘Tremendously enjoyable’ DOMINIC SANDBROOK

‘A moving love letter to Europe’ LEA YPI

‘Readers could hardly wish for a wiser guide’ FINANCIAL TIMES

Genres: Nonfiction, History

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2026

About the author

Timothy Garton Ash CMG FRSA is a British historian, author and commentator. He is Professor of European Studies at Oxford University. Much of his work has been concerned with the late modern and contemporary history of Central and Eastern Europe.

Reviews

[Clemencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this while in London, great read

[Pepe Ginsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is like a journalistic essay. It selects episodes, places, ideas, and details (covering everything from geography to football and politics) to construct a personal interpretation of Europe. It explores not only what Europe has been, but also how it can be understood today and where it might be heading. It is an engaging, concise book; its tone is that of an intelligent, well-informed conversation, presented with a personal touch. My criticism is that, at times, it approaches certain subjects in a rather idiosyncratic way and furthermore, because the text is brief, complex issues are occasionally reduced to clever paradoxes or broad generalizations.

[Brandi · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Read because he just received the Princess of Asturias award, and this seemed short and digestible. It was interesting, but left me wishing he went deeper in some parts and glazed over in others. Still, I liked enough of it!