Top 10 Books: Europe 1701 - 1918

1. Eighteenth-century Europe by Jeremy Black

Black has tackled many historical themes in this well written and sweeping study of Europe which provides a perfect introduction for all readers; seek out the latest, second, edition, which has two new chapters. Students should find the volume especially suitable, as the book concludes with a structured reading list.

2. Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800 - 1914 by Robert Gildea

Part of the 'Short Oxford History of the Modern World', this book contains a comprehensive examination of Europe in the nineteenth century. Gildea has combined political narrative with a series of thematic sections, including nationalism, population growth, industrialization and education.

3. The Old European Order 1660-1800 by William Doyle

Part of the same series as pick one, The Old European Order covers an extended eighteenth century. The text is largely thematic and analytical, and anyone wanting an exciting narrative will be disappointed; nevertheless, Doyle's focus on both social trends and the challenges faced by the early modern governments of Europe is a worthwhile read.

4. The Longman Handbook of Modern European History 1763 - 1997 by Chris Cook

Buying this book will arm you with an excellent range of timelines - covering the history of many European countries - glossaries, lists and figures, all of which will supplement an essay, answer a question or just expand your knowledge.

5. Peace, War and the European Powers, 1814-1914 by C.J Bartlett

There are so many books exploring the origins of Europe's myriad wars that the topic of this volume caught me by surprise: Bartlett examines why the continent experienced two long periods of peace between 1815 - 54 and 1871 - 1914. Peace, War and the European Powers discusses why these 'lapses' should have occurred, and why warfare eventually returned to Europe.

6. The Ancien Régime in Europe by E.N. Williams

Weighing in with a nice price-to-size ratio, William's book is an excellent guide to the political structures and characteristics of several countries, including Spain, France, Prussia and Britain, during the eighteenth century. However, the author has been accused of both republican bias and a distorting focus on the 'modern'; therefore, I suggest reading this in conjunction with other works.

7. Europe 1783-1914 by William Simpson, Martin Jones

Taking a definite textbook approach, this book's narrative of European history is accompanied by a range of primary and secondary documents, as well as maps, pictures and (political) cartoons. Analyses - or just reminders - of important themes and further reading are also included: good for younger students.

8. The Eastern Question 1774-1923 by A.L. Macfie

The Ottoman Empire may have finally disappeared in the twentieth century, but its decline began a lot earlier. The Eastern Question concerns the multitude of disputes, wars and political arguments that arose in the east of Europe as Ottoman power was eroded and smaller states emerged. Macfie's book is a small, but worthy, introduction.

9. Revolutionary Europe, 1780-1850 by Jonathan Sperber

This book may only cover seventy years, but what a seventy years! Europe experienced numerous rebellions, including the French revolution and the widespread uprisings of 1848. Sperber's text is a detailed, but concise, account of this period, concentrating on the revolutions and their inter-relationships, as well as their effects on politics and individuals.

10. Nationalism in Europe 1789-1945 by Timothy Baycroft

The emergence, and development, of nationalist ideologies is a critical theme in modern history, and Baycroft's book provides a solid introduction to the subject. Primary and secondary materials are included, and topics range from the forms of nationalism underpinning various states to the effects of other, often competing, theories.