Books on Modern Europe

A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution – Centenary Edition with New Introduction by Orlando Figes is a profound exploration into one of the most transformative events in modern history. This remarkable work captures the essence and the human experience of the Russian Revolution with...

Experience the haunting yet enlightening narrative of A Village in the Third Reich: How Ordinary Lives Were Transformed By the Rise of Fascism, penned by the renowned author Julia Boyd. This gripping account reveals the profound transformation of Oberstdorf, a quiet Bavarian village, as...

Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich is a gripping exploration brought to you by an acclaimed vendor, revealing the depths of post-war Germany and its profound impact on humanity. This critically acclaimed bestseller has been recognized with numerous accolades, earning a...

At The Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails by Sarah Bakewell is a mesmerizing exploration into the heart of existential philosophy. This captivating narrative invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant Parisian atmosphere of the early 1930s, where the iconic Bec-de-Gaz bar...

Beauty is in the Street: Protest and Counterculture in Post-War Europe by Joachim C. Häberlen is an insightful examination of grassroots activism that dramatically transformed Europe’s cultural landscape after World War II. This captivating book delves into a pivotal era when ordinary citizens took...

Unveil the captivating history of a nation with Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949-1990 by Katja Hoyer, a compelling bestseller that has garnered praise from leading publications and readers alike. This groundbreaking work offers an in-depth exploration of East Germany, presenting a fresh perspective...

Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire 1871–1918 by Katja Hoyer is a captivating exploration of a pivotal period in history that transformed Germany from a collection of fragmented states into a formidable empire. This meticulously researched account provides an...

Bloodlands: THE book to help you understand today’s Eastern Europe by Timothy Snyder is an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of Eastern Europe's tumultuous past. This profound exploration delves deep into one of the darkest chapters of European history—the bloodlands...

Borderlines: A History of Europe in 29 Borders by Lewis Baston invites you on an enlightening journey through the intricate and often tumultuous history of Europe, as seen from its borders. This captivating narrative has been celebrated by the Irish Independent as 'beautiful' and...

Citizens: A Chronicle of The French Revolution by Simon Schama is an essential read for those captivated by history's transformative moments. This acclaimed work brings the tumult of the French Revolution to life, offering readers a profound insight into the social and cultural forces...

Cypria: A Journey to the Heart of Cyprus by British Cypriot author Alex Christofi offers a captivating exploration of the island's rich and tumultuous history. Shortlisted for the Anglo-Hellenic League Runciman Award 2025 and featured as one of National Geographic's Summer Reads 2024, this...

D-Day: 75th Anniversary Edition by Antony Beevor is a compelling exploration of one of the most pivotal moments in history. This remarkable narrative takes you deep into the heart of the Normandy Landings, capturing the chaos, bravery, and emotional weight of a day that...

Dark Brilliance: The Age of Reason from Descartes to Peter the Great is a masterful exploration by Paul Strathern that delves deep into the complexities of a transformative period in European history. This sweeping narrative captures the duality of the Age of Reason, characterized...

East West Street: Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize is a captivating masterpiece by acclaimed international lawyer Philippe Sands that intricately weaves personal memoir with profound historical inquiry. This remarkable narrative invites readers on a compelling journey, ignited by Sands’ lecture invitation to Lviv,...

Free: Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi is a Sunday Times bestseller and the esteemed recipient of the Ondaatje Prize, capturing the hearts and minds of readers with its vibrant storytelling and sharp wit. This compelling memoir invites you...

Embark on a transformative journey with Goodbye Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land, crafted by an acclaimed author who expertly navigates the intricate narratives of this mesmerizing region. This illuminating historical account weaves together threads of conflict and harmony, faith and...

Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation is an extraordinary work by an acclaimed author that shines a light on the rich tapestry of contemporary Greek identity. This riveting book has been shortlisted for prestigious awards such as the Cundill History Prize 2020 and the...

Green Mountains: Walking the Caucasus with Recipes by Caroline Eden invites readers on an extraordinary journey through the enchanting landscapes of Armenia and Georgia. This captivating travel memoir blends vivid storytelling with culinary exploration, offering a unique window into the rich cultures and traditions...

Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell is a profound reflection of a tumultuous period in history, capturing the essence of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of one of literature's most esteemed figures. This classic work, featured in the Penguin Modern Classics series,...

In Search Of Berlin: The Story of Europe's Most Important City by John Kampfner is a literary triumph that captures the essence of one of the world’s most compelling cities. Awarded the WATERSTONES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 and longlisted for the 2024 ONDAATJE...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Inside the Stargazer's Palace: The Transformation of Science in 16th-Century Northern Europe by Violet Moller. This enthralling narrative not only captures the allure of the cosmos but also unveils a pivotal era where science and mysticism intertwined,...

Italy Reborn: From Fascism to Democracy by Mark Gilbert is a remarkable exploration of Italy's dramatic political transformation following the Second World War. This gripping narrative delves deep into the nation's journey from the ruins of fascism to establishing a flourishing democracy. Gilbert meticulously...

Experience the enchanting echoes of a bygone era with Last Days in Old Europe: Trieste '79, Vienna '85, Prague '89 by Richard Bassett. This mesmerizing memoir invites you to traverse the fading splendors of the ancient Hapsburg lands and witness history as it unfolds....

Lifelines: Searching for Home in the Mountains of Greece by Julian Hoffman invites readers on a profound journey of rediscovery and belonging. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of northern Greece’s Prespa region, this evocative book chronicles the transformative odyssey of Julian and Julia as...

Discover the gripping narrative of Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos, authored by the acclaimed title vendor. This exceptional book unveils the harrowing history of Naples during World War II, providing an unparalleled English account of this tumultuous period. Naples 1944 presents a profound...

Once Upon a Time World: The Dark and Sparkling Story of the French Riviera by Jonathan Miles invites readers on a captivating journey through the evolution of the French Riviera, transforming from an unspoiled paradise into a glamorous playground for the elite. This enthralling...

Paris '44: The Shame and the Glory by Patrick Bishop is not just a book; it's an evocative journey through one of history's most pivotal moments. An instant Sunday Times bestseller and a highlighted 2024 Book of the Year by top publications, this remarkable...

Revolutionary Spring: Fighting for a New World 1848-1849 by Christopher Clark is a must-read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. This captivating narrative has been hailed by History Today as "One of the best history books you will read this decade," immersing you...

Rot: A History of the Irish Famine by Padraic Scanlan is a groundbreaking examination of one of history's most devastating events. This compelling narrative is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the profound impacts of the Great Famine, both in Ireland and beyond. Dive...

Russia: Revolution and Civil War 1917-1921 by Antony Beevor is a gripping exploration of one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. Acclaimed by the Daily Telegraph as a "masterpiece of history," this work delves deep into the chaos that engulfed Russia following...

Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore is an enthralling exploration into the complex world of one of history's most infamous dictators. This critically acclaimed biography, winner of the British Book Awards History Book of the Year and shortlisted for...

Stalingrad by Antony Beevor is an international bestseller that has captivated millions with its gripping narrative of one of World War II's most pivotal moments. This compelling account transports readers to the autumn of 1942, where amidst the crumbling ruins of Stalingrad, a soldier...

Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall by Anna Funder is an evocative exploration of East Germany's tumultuous past that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the lives of those affected by the Berlin Wall. This award-winning narrative, honored with the prestigious Samuel...

The Basque History Of The World by Mark Kurlansky invites readers on an enlightening journey through one of Europe’s most unique cultures—the Basques. This captivating narrative unfolds the rich tapestry of a people whose contributions to global history are as remarkable as they are...

The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 by Antony Beevor is an essential read for history aficionados and a profound exploration of one of the 20th century's most critical conflicts. Beevor, an acclaimed historian celebrated for his works on Stalingrad and the...

The Carnation Revolution : The Day Portugal's Dictatorship Fell offers an extraordinary, detailed account of the historic events of 25 April 1974, when Portugal's long-standing fascist regime was peacefully overthrown. This compelling narrative captures the dramatic unfolding of a revolution that changed the course...

The Crying of the Wind : Ireland by Ithell Colquhoun offers a mesmerizing journey into the heart of 1950s Ireland through the eyes of a pioneering surrealist painter and occultist. This rare and beautifully crafted travelogue captures a lush, windswept landscape alive with myth,...

The Curtain and the Wall: A Modern Journey Along Europe's Cold War Border by Timothy Phillips invites you to embark on a captivating expedition through the depths of history, exploring the compelling narratives woven along the former Iron Curtain. Spanning a remarkable 5,000 kilometers...

The Europeans: Three Lives and the Making of a Cosmopolitan Culture by Orlando Figes invites readers on an enthralling journey through 19th-century Europe, capturing the essence of a transformative era in cultural history. This brilliantly crafted narrative intertwines the lives of three remarkable individuals:...

The Guns of August: The Classic Bestselling Account of the Outbreak of the First World War by Barbara Tuchman is a captivating exploration of a world on the brink of chaos. This Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative provides an unforgettable account of Britain's entry into the...

The Hare With Amber Eyes: The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller by Edmund de Waal is a mesmerizing memoir that interlaces family history with the beauty of art and the passage of time. This Costa Biography Award-winning book invites readers to embark on an extraordinary...

The Last Days of the Ottoman Empire by Ryan Gingeras is a captivating exploration into the twilight years of one of history's most formidable empires. This masterful narrative unravels the complexities of the Ottoman Empire's decline, offering readers an enlightening journey filled with profound...

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt is a seminal work that unravels the intricate historical and social dynamics leading to the emergence of totalitarian regimes. This profound exploration not only captivates readers but also serves as a critical lens through which we can...

The Path of Peace: Walking the Western Front Way by Anthony Seldon invites you on an extraordinary pilgrimage, spanning 1,000 kilometres from the French-Swiss border to the English Channel. This transformative 35-day journey is inspired by the poignant dreams of a young British soldier...

Experience the rich tapestry of Italy's history with The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, its Regions and their Peoples by David Gilmour. This captivating work invites readers on a journey through Italy's remarkable past, uncovering its vibrant cultures and diverse peoples....

Discover the compelling narrative of The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748–1789 by renowned historian Robert Darnton. This award-winning book, celebrated as a Sunday Times, Times Literary Supplement, and The Times Book of the Year, provides an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of Paris during the...

Discover the captivating world of The Riviera Set, a mesmerizing narrative by acclaimed author Maxine Elliott that transports readers to the glamorous Châeau de l'Horizon near Cannes. Praised by critics like Sarra Manning from Red and Rachel Johnson from Mail on Sunday, this enchanting...

The Romanovs: The Story of Russia and its Empire 1613-1918 by Simon Montefiore is an enthralling journey into the heart of one of history's most formidable royal dynasties. This comprehensive narrative uncovers the transformation of a small principality into a colossal empire, detailing the...

The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark is a profound exploration into the complex events that triggered one of history's most devastating conflicts—the First World War. With its rigorous scholarship and captivating narrative style, this award-winning book has captured...