T. C. W. Blanning Libri

The origins, nature and effects of the Revolution have been the themes of a voluminous literature, especially since the 1950s, and there has been sharp disagreement among historians about them.

Brings to life one of the most extraordinary periods in European history - from the battered, introvert continent after the Thirty Years War to the dynamic one that experienced the French Revolution and the wars of Napoleon.

George I was not the most charismatic of the Hanoverian monarchs to have reigned in England but he was probably the most important. He was certainly the luckiest. Born the youngest son of a landless German duke, he was taken by repeated strokes of good fortune to become, first the ruler of a major state in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and then the sovereign of three kingdoms (England, Ireland and Scotland). Tim Blanning's incisive short biography examines George's life and career as a German prince, and as King. Fifty-four years old when he arrived in London in 1714, he was a battle-hardened veteran, who put his long experience and deep knowledge of international affairs to good use in promoting the interests of both Hanover and Great Britain. When he died, his legacy was order and prosperity at home and power and prestige abroad. Disagreeable he may have been to many, but he was also tough, determined and effective, at a time when other European thrones had started to crumble.

The romantic revolution was perhaps the most fundamental and far-reaching of all the revolutions. From it derive virtually all the cultural axioms of the modern world: the stress on genius, originality and individual expression; the dominance of music; the obsession with sexuality, dreams and the subconscious; and more.

During the past twenty-five years, the historiography of the French Revolution has experienced a revolution of its own. This volume not only chronicles the rise and fall of the French Revolution but also introduces the reader to the different approaches being employed by the most eminent historians working in the field. The result is a collection that offers a compelling combination of information and opinion, narrative and interpretation. The volume includes seventeen pathbreaking articles which originally appeared in the Journal of Modern History. A substantial introduction by the editor discusses the evolution of the history of the period and how the individual contributors have shaped the debate.

A portrait of the contradictory ruler who helped elevate Prussia to a first-rate power in the eighteenth century explores such topics as his military accomplishments, his long relationship with Voltaire, and his embrace of Enlightenment philosophies.

In the study of late eighteenth-century Europe the concept of reform' has been neglected compared to the attention lavished on its more glamorous relation revolution'. Yet it was reform not revolution which characterized the experience of both Great Britain and Germany from 1750 to 1850. This volume takes a comparative approach to shed new light on old problems.

This book, first released in hardcover in the UK in 2010, offers a unique perspective on its subject matter, blending historical context with engaging narratives. It presents meticulously researched information that appeals to both casual readers and scholars alike, showcasing the author’s expertise and passion. The work stands out for its insightful analysis and captivating storytelling, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

"History writing at its glorious best."--The New York Times "A triumphant success. [Blanning] brings knowledge, expertise, sound judgment and a colorful narrative style."--The Economist The New York Times bestselling volume in the Penguin History of Europe series Between the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Battle of Waterloo, Europe underwent an extraordinary transformatoin that saw five of the modern world's great revolutions--scientific, industrial, American, French, and romantic. In this much-admired addition to the monumental Penguin History of Europe series, Tim Blanning brilliantly investigates the forces that transformed Europe from a medieval society into a vigorous powerhose of the modern world. Blanning renders this vast subject immediate and absorbing by making fresh connections between the most mundane details of life and the major cultural, political, and technological transformations that birthed the modern age.

Focusing on the Electorate of Mainz in the eighteenth century, the book delves into broader historical contexts and implications. It explores the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the time, aiming to provide insights that extend beyond Mainz to encompass wider European developments. Through detailed analysis, it highlights the significance of this region in shaping historical narratives.