Individual chapters written by leading experts provide an authoritative point-of-entry to the period
Considers social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives to provide a full picture of Early Modern Europe
Chapters organized thematically within a chronological backbone; can be read by individual chapter or as a full chronological study
Extensively illustrated with carefully chosen images to complement the text
Recommendations for further reading points students towards sources for more detailed study

`Early Modern` is a term applied to the period which falls between the end of the middle ages and the beginning of the nineteenth century. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Europe in this period, exploring the changes and transitions involved in the move towards modernity. Nine newly commissioned chapters under the careful editorship of Euan Cameron cover social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives, all contributing to a full and vibrant picture of Europe during this time.

The chapters are organized thematically, and consider the evolving European economy and society, the impact of new ideas on religion, and the emergence of modern political attitudes and techniques. The text is complemented with many illustrations throughout to give a feel of the changes in life beyond the raw historical data.



Readership: All students of Early Modern European History, from the Reformation to the Enlightenment.

Contents
Prologue: Europe and the World Around , Anthony Pagden
The Sixteenth Century, c.1500-c.1618

1. The Conditions of Life for the Masses , Alison Rowlands
2. The Power of the World: Renaissance and Reformation , Euan Cameron
3. War, Religion, and the State , Steven Gunn
The Seventeenth Century, c.1618-c.1715

4. Colonies, Enterprises, and Wealth: the Economies of Europe and the Wider World , R. A. Houston
5. Embattled Faiths: Religion and Natural Philosophy , Robin Briggs
6. Warfare, Crisis, and Absolutism , Jeremy Black
The Eighteenth Century, c.1715-c.1789

7. A Widening Market in Consumer Goods , James C. Riley
8. The Enlightenment , Norman Hampson
9. Europe Turns East: Political Developments , H. M. Scott
Epilogue: The Old Order transformed 1789-1815 , T. C. W. Blanning