Eighteenth Century Europe, 1700-1789

This second edition of a highly successful and influential work includes two entirely new chapters – on Europe and the wider world, and on the Revolutionary crisis – and is extensively revised throughout.

It offers a wide-ranging thematic account that explores social, cultural and economic topics, as well as giving a clear analysis of the political events.

It opens with a discussion of the ‘hostile environment’ and, against the startlingly grim background of disease and death, it goes on to discuss the scope and variety of the economy, commerce and society. It also looks at the role of towns, the church, religion, medicine and culture, and so builds up a rich picture of life in ancient régime Europe.

Filled with fascinating detail and unusual examples, this absorbing history of eighteenth-century Europe will bring the period alive to students and teachers alike.

Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter. A member of the Councils of the Royal Historical Society and the British Records Association, he is the author of a number of books, including War and the World, 1450-2000 and Maps and History.