Ever since the attacks of 11th September, western leaders have described a world engaged in 'a fight for civilization'. But what do we mean by civilization? We believe in a western tradition of openness and freedom that has produced a good life for many millions of people and a culture of enormous depth and creative power. But the history of our civilisation is also filled with unspeakable brutality - for every Leonardo there is a Mussolini, for every Beethoven symphony a concentration camp, ...

In this concise, lucid and entertaining book, with more than forty maps and illustrations, acclaimed historian John Hirst explores the qualities that have made Europe a world-changing civilisation.

Beginning with a rapid historical overview from the ancient Greeks to the present day (the ‘shortest history’ itself), Hirst goes on to examine what makes Europe unique: its political evolution; the shaping influence of its linguistic boundaries; the crucial role played by power struggles betwe...

Fully updated throughout to include recent themes and events such as the 2020 election and 2021 Presidential inauguration, providing students with a current overview of US politics and society. Chapters on geography, women and minorities, and the media have been comprehensively revised to incorporate more information on such themes as environmental legislation, the LGBTQ+ community, social media and people, key themes in the study of American culture and society today, ensuring students get a...