The Pursuit of Glory
ISBN 978-0-14-311389-8 (US Penguin Books paperback) |
The Pursuit of Glory: Europe 1648–1815, written by the British historian
Other editions
In the United States, a Kindle Books edition, The Pursuit of Glory: The Five Revolutions That Made Modern Europe, was released in 2007. This title was also chosen for the American Penguin Books paperback edition of 2008. It is part of "The Penguin History of Europe" series, which is edited by David Cannadine.
Style and content
The book presents a many-faceted history of Europe in the years 1648–1815. The contents, which give an indication of the wide range of subjects covered, read:
Contents
List of Illustrations
Maps:
- Europe in the era of Louis XIV
- Europe in the eighteenth century
- Europe in 1809
- Europe in 1815
- The Holy Roman empire and the Habsburg Monarchy in the eighteenth century
Preface
Introduction
Part One: Life and Death
1. Communications
2. People
3. Trade and Manufacturing
4. Agriculture and the Rural World
Part Two: Power
5. Rulers and Their Elites
6. Reform and Revolution
Part Three: Religion and Culture
7. Religion and the Churches
8. Court and Country
9. Palace and Gardens
10. The Culture of Feeling and the Culture of Reason
Part Four: War and Peace
11. From the Peace of Westphalia to the Peace of Nystad
12. From the Peace of Nystad to the French Revolutionary Wars
13. The Wars of the French Revolution and Napoleon
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Index[1]
Style
Blanning does not use
Reception
Reception to the book was extremely favourable. In Britain, it was chosen as The Sunday Times history book of the year. The Spectator called it 'outstanding', although it did state: 'I wish that Blanning would not keep quoting other historians, often for the most unremarkable statements, a habit which makes him sound at times like the compère of a variety show',[4] The Daily Telegraph called it a 'triumph',[5] The Guardian 'Sparkling...unfailingly accurate, good-humoured and often witty',[6] The New York Times 'A page turner...history writing at its glorious best',[7] and, finally, The Literary Review 'a jolly good read'.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Tim Blanning, The Pursuit of Glory: Europe 1648–1815, London: Penguin Books, 2008, p. v
- ^ Tim Blanning, The Pursuit of Glory: Europe 1648–1815, London: Penguin Books, 2008
- ^ Tim Blanning, The Pursuit of Glory: Europe 1648–1815, London: Penguin Books, 2008, pp. 125–141
- ^ Jonathan Sumption. "Coping with a Continent". The Spectator, 6 June 2007.
- ^ Jane Stevenson. "Things Could Only Get Better". The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 2007.
- ^ Keith Thomas. "Hell optional, heaven postponed". The Guardian, 9 June 2007.
- ^ John Steele Gordon. "Europe's Rise to Power? Thank Better Roads, Revolutions of All Sorts and Turnips". The New York Times, 4 July 2007.