Top 10 Books: Europe 1919 - 1939

1. The Dark Valley: A Panorama of the 1930's by Piers Brendon

The Dark Valley may be a global history, but it is such a superb book, with a large focus on Europe, that it deserves to be included; consider the non-European parts as context if you wish. Brendon expertly examines the decade that was still reeling from one world war and spawned another, with erudition, wit and sharp observation.

2. Europe, 1880-1945 by J.M. Roberts

Deserving of its 'bestseller' status, Robert's text examines all the major historical themes - politics, economics, society and culture - in a lively style that has created many admirers. You certainly get a decent sized book for your money, and all ages should enjoy this account of what, even by European standards, was a massively complex and important period.

3. Versailles and After, 1919-1933 by Ruth Henig

The effect of the Treaty of Versailles on inter-war Europe is - arguably - second only to the Great War itself, and the key issue of how this treaty affected various nations is central to an understanding of the era. Henig's book, which includes sections on the terms of the treaty, the later historiography and the League of Nations is a good, albeit brief, introduction.

4. he Inter-war Crisis 1919 - 1939 by R. Overy

A combination of history and essay collection, this book contains a short introduction to the inter-war period before showcasing a set of essays aimed at the mid-level student. The quality is variable (although the same can be said of many collections), and the authors aren't afraid to argue their opinions. Cheap enough to take a chance: see what you think.

5. The Great Depression in Europe, 1929-1939 by Patricia Clavin

One oddity of my education is that, despite being schooled in Europe, I was only taught about the great depressions effects on the USA. Clavin's book, which has been written for the non-economists, focuses solely on Europe (which makes it perfect for this site). Any student of the inter, or Second World, war period should read this.

6. Themes in Modern European History, 1890-1945 by Paul Hayes

Hayes has tackled the period as a series of essays rather than a narrative, exploring continuities and innovations in a variety of topics; however, he does achieve a necessary level of cohesion within the work, providing a general account of the period.

7. Eastern Europe in the Twentieth Century by R.J. Crampton

This book may cover slightly more than simply 1919 to 1939 (events from as recent as 1996 are included), but the result is a text that shows as much about the consequences of the inter-war period as we can currently know. Given the importance of recent events in the east of Europe, and the habit of certain books to focus on the west, this is certainly a top pick.

8. Atlas of Eastern Europe in the Twentieth Century by Richard Crampton

Useful either on its own - there is a brief accompanying text - but perhaps better used in conjunction with another book (maybe pick 7), this volume contains over 120 maps, as well diagrams, on many aspects of Eastern Europe, including the frequently changing boundaries.

9. Ethnic Nationalism and the Fall of Empires by Aviel Roshwald

Nationalism is as much a 'buzz-word' for the inter-war period as ethnicity is today, and Roshwald's book focuses on the critical period following the Great War, when strong national identities emerged from the collapsing Ottoman, Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires. An often complicated, but important subject, Roshwald's book will provide a good groundwork for further reading.

10. Between Two Fires: Europe's Path in the 1930's by David Clay Large

This selection of, sometimes contentious, essays tries to show an increasing pressure within European politics and society which, over the 1930's, reached an explosive level; it's more useful for the casual reader, or a student wishing to dip into a topic, than for anyone wanting an introduction to the period.