Books on Modern Europe

A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution - Centenary Edition with New Introduction is a remarkable work by renowned historian Orlando Figes, providing an unparalleled account of one of modern history's most significant events. Unmatched in scope and depth, this centenary edition masterfully captures the...

Step into the pages of A Village in the Third Reich: How Ordinary Lives Were Transformed By the Rise of Fascism by the acclaimed author Julia Boyd, as she unveils the unsettling yet captivating story of Oberstdorf, a village nestled in the Bavarian mountains...

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 is a remarkable journey penned by the insightful author, Sarah Bakewell. Shortlisted for the prestigious PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize, this book invites readers to step into the vibrant Parisian scene of the early 1930s. At the...

Beauty is in the Street: Protest and Counterculture in Post-War Europe by Joachim C. Häberlen is a compelling exploration of grassroots activism that reshaped Europe’s cultural landscape in the wake of World War II. This masterful account captures the essence of a transformative era,...

Discover the remarkable journey of a nation through Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949-1990 by Katja Hoyer, a captivating bestseller that has earned acclaim from influential publications and readers alike. This groundbreaking book dives deep into the intricate tapestry of East Germany's existence, offering...

Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire 1871-1918 by Katja Hoyer is an enthralling journey through a dynamic epoch that transformed Germany from a fragmented concept into a powerful nation. This compelling narrative intricately dissects the complexities of a fledgling...

Bloodlands: THE book to help you understand today's Eastern Europe by Timothy Snyder is a profound exploration of one of Europe's darkest chapters. This powerful history book dives into the bloodlands—the haunting expanse between Stalin's Russia and Hitler's Germany—where over 14 million lives were...

Borderlines: A History of Europe, Told From the Edges by Lewis Baston is a captivating exploration of the complex tapestry of European history, celebrated as 'beautiful' and 'a true gem' by the Irish Independent. This thrillingly unique narrative invites readers on an enlightening journey...

Citizens: A Chronicle of The French Revolution by Simon Schama is a must-have for history enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of one of the most transformative eras in modern history. Renowned for its comprehensive and engaging narrative, this seminal work offers a unique perspective...

D-Day: 75th Anniversary Edition by Antony Beevor is a profound journey into the chaos and heroism of one of history’s most transformative events. This unparalleled account of the Normandy Landings immerses readers in the visceral experience of war, where you can almost taste the...

East West Street: Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize is a remarkable work by renowned international lawyer Philippe Sands that intricately weaves personal memoir with profound historical inquiry. Embarking on a compelling journey, Sands explores the intricate connections of his family's past, sparked by...

Free: Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi is a Sunday Times bestseller and the proud recipient of the Ondaatje Prize, captivating readers with its poignant narrative and sharp wit. This memoir invites you into the heart of Albania, a...

Experience a transformative journey with Goodbye Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land, an illuminating work by an acclaimed author that takes you through the complex narratives of this captivating region. This compelling historical account masterfully intertwines conflict and harmony, faith and...

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

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, receiving accolades as a WATERSTONES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023 and being LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 ONDAATJE PRIZE. This captivating book presents an intricate narrative that...

Discover the allure of the cosmos with Inside the Stargazer's Palace: The Transformation of Science in 16th-Century Northern Europe by Violet Moller. This enthralling exploration invites you into a time when the boundaries of science and mysticism blurred, awakening a profound curiosity about the...

Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos is a powerful narrative crafted by esteemed author, title vendor, that unearths the tumultuous history of Naples during World War II. This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive history of wartime Naples available in English, marking a significant...

Paris '44: The Shame and the Glory by Patrick Bishop is an instant Sunday Times bestseller, already celebrated as a 2024 Book of the Year by prominent publications and booksellers alike. This extraordinary narrative offers a gripping countdown to the liberation of Paris in...

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

Rot: A History of the Irish Famine by Padraic Scanlan is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand a pivotal moment in history that reshaped not just Ireland, but also Britain's view of imperialism and capitalism. This compelling narrative delves into the Great...

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 a profound exploration into the dark heart of one of history's most notorious figures. This British Book Awards History Book of the Year and Samuel Johnson Prize shortlisted masterpiece captivates readers from...

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 a captivating journey into the heart of East Germany's complex past, brought to life through award-winning storytelling. This Samuel Johnson Prize-winning masterpiece offers an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary lives of those who...

The Basque History Of The World by Mark Kurlansky invites you to explore the intriguing tapestry of one of Europe's most distinctive cultures, the Basques. With a history cloaked in mystery and a language unlike any other, this remarkable group has made significant contributions...

The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 by acclaimed historian Antony Beevor is an essential addition to the library of any history enthusiast. Known for his gripping narratives on Stalingrad and the fall of Berlin, Beevor brings his unparalleled expertise to this...

The Curtain and the Wall: A Modern Journey Along Europe's Cold War Border by Timothy Phillips invites readers on a captivating expedition through history. Spanning an impressive 5,000 kilometres and eight decades, this illuminating narrative explores the Cold War's lasting impact, revealing that the...

The Europeans: Three Lives and the Making of a Cosmopolitan Culture by Orlando Figes is a splendid literary achievement that transports readers into the heart of 19th-century Europe, illuminating the profound cultural transformations of the time. This captivating book weaves the lives of three...

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

The Hare With Amber Eyes: The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller by Edmund de Waal is a captivating exploration of family history, art, and the passage of time. This award-winning memoir, crowned with the esteemed Costa Biography Award, invites readers to embark on a journey...

The Last Days of the Ottoman Empire by Ryan Gingeras is a masterful exploration of the twilight years of one of history's most powerful empires. Delve into a captivating narrative that unravels the complexities surrounding the Empire's decline, offering both enlightening insights and profound...

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt is a profound exploration of the historical forces that have shaped our political landscape. This essential reading offers a stark reminder of the potential for tyranny that exists in the modern world, compelling readers to engage critically...

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

Discover the enchanting depths of Italy's past with The Pursuit of Italy : A History of a Land, its Regions and their Peoples by David Gilmour. This remarkable exploration invites you to traverse the Italian peninsula's intricate tapestry, revealing its history through a lens...

The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789, by renowned historian Robert Darnton, offers a captivating exploration into the heart of the French Revolution, earning accolades as a Sunday Times, Times Literary Supplement, and The Times Book of the Year. This remarkable account delves into the intricate...

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 captivating exploration of the intricate web of events that led to one of history's most catastrophic conflicts—the First World War. Acclaimed for its rigorous scholarship, this award-winning book has garnered...

The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge by Paul Preston is an essential read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike, unraveling the complexities of one of the 20th century's most significant conflicts. This updated edition provides a gripping narrative that explores the intricate...

The Stasi Poetry Circle: The Creative Writing Class that Tried to Win the Cold War by Philip Oltermann is a riveting exploration of a surreal chapter in history where art and espionage collided in the East German regime. Imagine a secret police force convinced...

The Unwomanly Face of War by Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich is a profound exploration that shines a light on the untold stories of Soviet women who bravely fought in the Second World War. Hailed as 'a must read' by literary titan Margaret Atwood, this...

The Writers' Castle: Reporting History at Nuremberg by Uwe Neumahr takes you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most significant events in modern history. This captivating narrative focuses on the famous writers and reporters who gathered in Nuremberg in 1945, witnessing the...