The European World 1500-1800: An Introduction to Early Modern History

by Beat Kumin (Editor)

The European World 1500–1800 provides a concise and authoritative textbook for the centuries between the Renaissance and the French Revolution. It presents early modern Europe not as a mere transition phase, but a dynamic period worth studying in its own right. Written by an experienced team of specialists, associated with a university module of the same name, it offers a student-friendly introduction to all major themes and processes of early modern history. Structured in four parts dealing with socio-economic, religious, cultural and political issues, it adopts a broad geographical Western and Central Europe receive particular attention, but dedicated chapters also explore the wider global context. Thematic priorities include social structures, Reformation change, expanding cultural horizons and the emergence of the modern state. Specially designed to assist learning, The European World 1500–1800 The European World 1500–1800 will be essential reading for all students embarking on the discovery of the early modern period.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Research

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Seán O'HIceadha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a fantastic insight for students of what life was like during this period in early modern Europe. Brilliant sections on witchcraft, the scientific revolution and the enlightenment. Would recommend to all who wish to study this period.

[Eskil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hvis man leser den for seg selv er boka en veldig funksjonell introduksjon til tidligmoderne Europa. Den er organisert i tema og undertema, og hvert kapittel (ca 10-20 sider) er som regel kronologisk organisert, sånn at man kan slå opp på det man er interessert i, og umiddelbart finne tegn på endring og stasis. Når den er kombinert med håndplukkede artikler som kanskje har et litt høyere akademisk nivå blir boka veldig god, og viser stor overføringsevne for innholdet.

Boka har dessverre veldig svak kildeføring sammenligna med f.eks. en monograf, og det er ikke en eneste fotnote. Hvert kapittel har en kort kildeliste på slutten, men påstander skal gjerne begrunnes tydeligere enn som så. Jeg skjønner at dette er for å gjøre boka lettere for BA-studenter, som den tross alt er beregnet på, men de må da også lære å føre kilder i løpende tekst. Til slutt må jeg skryte av primærkildeboksene. Boka er full av tekstbokser med oversatte utdrag fra diverse historiske kilder, osm alle bidrer til å løfte nivået på kapitlene.

[Farah Mendlesohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather irritating book with chapters that are often too general and with a flattening effect. I did not come away with any feeling that I had a much greater overview.
The chapter on trade with the Ottomans was interesting.

The section (not chapter) on Jews told us little about Jews but mostly how and when Christians killed or expelled us: there is so much new research that could have been used there, not least to understand our history as made up of the stories of different communities.

[Hannah Iversen · Rating 3 out of 5]

i mean not a bad book.
Its hard to fit like 300 years of history in one book but it did a good enough job. there is a lot of name dropping and its kind of hard to understand but once you get used to it, it gets better.
also special shoutout to Claudia Stein, her chapters where fenomenal.

[Gerard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely the worst synthesis someone can give on any period in history. Reading this book didn't learn me anything specific about the Early Modern Period in Europe. Just terrible!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for my university module so wasn’t really for pleasure! It was knowledgable about what I needed it for and was well written.

[eva]

I mean this was required reading but it was pretty good

[william · Rating 3 out of 5]

kut

[Suzannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good overview of early modern European history. With each chapter divided into different aspects of early modern history, culture, politics and religion, it is very good to start you off if you are interested in this period. I used it throughout my first year of university as it was a core book for a module I was taking, but I enjoyed it so much that a copy will remain on my shelf now.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of entries about many different topics in early modern Europe. I was hoping for more depth, but the entries did give a good introduction to the big trends, and often historians' debates, about each.

[Virginia Rand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ended up deferring the module that I got this for, but it's a pretty decent book and I'll feel comfortable going through it a bit in the summer holidays.