Europe in the Eighteenth Century 1713-1783 Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1966

If anyone is able to produce an overview of a whole century (well, most of it anyway - technically the period covered is 1713-1783 i.e. from the end of the War of Spanish Succession to the end of the American War), it would be M.S. Anderson. Having greatly enjoyed his book on the Austrian War of Succession, I knew he would be second to none when it comes to extracting the essence from a highly complex series of events - and producing a tremendously readable and enjoyable text. In this, he resembles one of my favorite historian-writers, the awesome Blanning. In fact, one of the biggest compliments I could give to 'Europe in the Eighteenth Century' is that it is about as good as 'Pursuit of Glory'.

This is a review of the first edition of this book.M. S. Anderson's readable narrative is filled with factual details woven together to achieve a comprehensible picture. His writing is incisive and the range is wide. For example, he discusses the role of French language in international discourse and writes with wisdom on the influence of China on Europe. There is also an outstanding and clear chapter on the economic history of the period.Anderson expresses judgments but they are sharp and realistic. He also has his idiosyncracies. He says early on that the history of ideas should focus on "climates of opinion" and not just a few "great works". His book does not follow up on this premise, perhaps because Anderson seems skeptical about the practical importance of Enlightenment ideas. He devotes less than half a chapter to these.Neither this section nor his chapter on social trends in the period provides a strong explanation of the revolutionary events at the end of the century.Well over half the book is devoted to government and to the complex international relations and events of the period. This discussion is well organized, objectively presented, and masterful. It provides a clear understanding of such critical issues as the rise of Prussia and Russia and the role of colonies in the competition among the great powers, especially Britain and France.This book fills a major gap in the widely used Norton History of Modern Europe which for this period relies on Isser Woloch's social history and Leonard Krieger's turgid "Kings and Philosophers". Anderson's practical analysis of how governments of the period actually worked provides far more insight than Krieger on this key topic.Recent editions have added 200 pages to the roughly 350 of the first edition, but this shorter original edition (available on used book websites) is an excellent choice for the general reader. It will have enduring value.

The book is in excellent condition. Super value. Many thanks