Contemporary Europe: A History (9th Edition) [Paperback]

James D. Wilkinson (Author), H. Stuart Hughes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 23, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0137830106 | ISBN-13: 978-0137830107 | Edition: 9

Clearly written and understandably organized, this classic book about European political, social, economic, and intellectual history covers events throughout the Continent from 1914 to the present, treating Europe as a single unit. This new edition features a thoroughly updated final chapter with the latest research on contemporary subjects. The author begins with a view of Europe in 1914 with an emphasis on Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean, as well as on Western Europe. The book thoroughly covers such contemporary topics as: the successful launch of the Euro as the currency of the European Union; the election of Vladimir Putin and the emergence of a new Russia; the election of Tony Blair and the rise of New Labor in the United Kingdom; the expansion of NATO; the rise of right-wing extremism; and the tense relations between Europeans and immigrant groups, particularly Muslims; all topics contribute to this being the leading source of information on this important and timely field. Coverage also includes: the First World War; the Russian Revolution and its consequences; technology and society; the high culture of the 1920s; the Great Depression; the Fascist regimes; the Stalinist system; the Second World War; the Cold War; the loss of Colonial Empire; achieving prosperity; and the future of a new Europe. For readers who wish to own a comprehensive and interesting book about the contemporary history of Europe; this book will also serve as an excellent reference for scholars of history or those who are involved in firms that trade internationally.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I have been using this text for over twenty years. I do believe that, for an undergraduate survey, it is the best on the market, as it provides an excellent balance between factual narrative and analysis." — Peter Pastor, Montclair State University

"The single most impressive aspect of the book, and the reason why I chose it years ago and continue to use it, is its outstanding scholarship, structured and written in a way that students can understand." — Charles A. Endress, Angelo State University

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

This classic comprehensive survey of European political, cultural, and intellectual history from 1914 to 1990 covers events in both Western and Eastern Europe. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 638 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 9 edition (December 23, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0137830106
• ISBN-13: 978-0137830107
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,328,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars light on eastern europe, September 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Contemporary Europe: A History (9th Edition) (Paperback)

I enjoyed the text overall. It is rather light on its treatment of eastern europe, however. The writing on the area is too often limited to the soviets, not the home native nationalities. It also leaves much to be desired in its review of the 70's and 80's. otherwise a good read covering all aspects of modern european history.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for 20th century European History, May 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Contemporary Europe: A History (9th Edition) (Paperback)

I read this book for my IB European History course during high school. I found CE to be a lot better when it comes to the 20th century than the more often read A History of the Modern World by R.R. Palmer. CE is a fantastic resource and is not really that boring to read for someone who is interested in history. If you are not interested in history then don't touch it unless you have to, you will most likely hate it. Overall I thought it was good even for last minute review before a test. If you are doing 20th century history and specifically history of Russia/Soviet Union then this is the book because it focuses a lot on the Cold War and Soviet interactions with the world.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice textbook, May 26, 2004

By 

Maureen Ogorman "leneker" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contemporary Europe: A History (10th Edition) (Paperback)

This textbook provides an adequate overview of the period with orthodox interpretations about the harshness of the treaty and the role it plays in later European conflicts. Each chapter also provides an overview of books for additional reading.