Instant European History: From the French Revolution to the Cold War

by Robert P. Libbon

Book Overview

From the French Revolution to the Cold War, this spirited chronicle brings European history to life, following the trails of treachery, unearthing the dirt on key historical figures, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0449907023
• ISBN13: 9780449907023
• Release Date: February 1996
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Cheers to Mr. Libbon!

I absolutely love the format of this book. If you're planning a trip to Europe and want a background study before you go (without going back to college) then this book is for you! It's also cheap and the perfect length and I already know three people I intend to buy it for as a gift. WHAT I LIKED BEST: the boxes of information at beginning of each of the four sections with bullets of important events and a summary paragraph outlining highlights; the "who's who" boxes sprinkled throughout; the photos/pictures; the sidebar boxes of additional information; and the summary highlights at the end of each section. It is all very easy to read and highlights what you really need to know. WHAT I LIKED LEAST: the silly jokes throughout got very irritating by the time I was half-way through. It could be confusing for older readers who won't "get" or recognize some of the jokes/comments related to current events. However, besides that, the book is so good that I still give it a 5.

Like It Was Written Just For Me

This book is exactly what I hoped it would be when I ordered it. A cheap, easy to read refresher of all the things I am embarrassed to admit I don't know or had forgotten. Each chapter starts w.a few important dates and there are a few pages within each section devoted to lists of important names and dates (great for skipping back when you can't quite remember what no-longer-existant country was run by the guy you're reading about in another chapter). This book isn't made to make people suddenly experts on Europe. It is, however, a great way to quickly catch up on what you think you should have known. Personally, since I've only studied Chinese history for the past six years, I used it as a way to get the basics of this period back into my head before trying to read a book that would have been too in-depth after not studying Europe since high school. I read it in two one-hour blocks before bed, got the names down, and can look at it if I need a map, the one-paragraph version of the Prussian war or the end of World War I or to remember why exactly France kept replacing its governments. One of the best buys I've found.

History and humor, short and simple.

I don't often read history just for the enjoyment factor, but this book may have changed that. It is written in a straight forward manner, with humor and lightness that does not take away from the scholarship included. A true joy to read, even if you are familiar with many of the events, and you are sure to learn something new in the process. Other books in this series, including the one on Physics, are equally entertaining and get their information across quite effectively. Highly recommended.

What a fun way to learn European History!

Robert Libbon's writing is humorous and reminds me of Dave Barry. Yet, his explanation is very clear about what caused each historical event. The summary and outline of each chapter are also very helpful. This book is a great introduction to European History from 1700, and makes me wish to learn more!

Turly Excellent

Kudos to Robert Libbon! This is a book for everyone from true history buffs to those who don't know the difference between Napoleon(s) I and III. A great deal of information is fit into a novel-size book. The info is clear, and presented in an entertaining way - expect laugter when reading this book. When you're done, you'll feel smarter (for having purchased and read this book.) A fine work, Mr. Libbon!