While many 'history books' focus on a limited area, such as the Vietnam War, other texts examine far broader subjects and there are plenty of volumes narrating Europe's past from prehistory until today. While lacking in detail, these books provide valuable insights into long-term development, while avoiding the, often nation-centric, interpretations of shorter studies.
1. Europe: A History by Norman Davies
This large tome, which registers well over a thousand pages, explains the history of Europe from the ice-age until the late 1990's, in an easily read and wholly entertaining style. A large appendix, containing maps and charts of information, creates a useful reference source. This best-selling work has been criticised for a bias towards Poland, but this simply corrects a deficiency in the genre.2. The Penguin History of Europe by J. M. Roberts
The shorter alternative to Davies' work (at half the size, but not half the price), this Penguin history stretches from the first peoples in Europe to the late nineteen-nineties. A selection of maps and chronologies are liberally scattered throughout the text, which is erudite and balanced.
3. The Making of Eastern Europe from Prehistory to Postcommunism by Longworth
With one eye on explaining the current conflicts and complications in Eastern Europe, Longworth examines the region through, well, prehistory to post-communism! Necessarily sweeping in tone, but very illuminating, this is a marvelous example of why too narrow a focus can damage real understanding. Note: aim for the revised and updated edition that includes a new chapter.4. Revolution and the Revolutionary Tradition in the West 1560 - 1991
A compilation of eight essays, each discussing a different incident of revolution within Europe, including the British and French uprisings, the collapse of the USSR and, as an example of events born from Europe, the American Revolution. Exploring ideologies alongside political developments, this is suitable for students and experts.5. Monarchy, Aristocracy and State in Europe 1300 - 1800 by Hillary Zamora
Focusing largely on the changing relationships between monarchy, government and elites in Western and Central Europe, this book covers, not just five hundred years of history, but a crucial subject in the creation of our modern day world.