Product Description

The system of international repression ended with the fall of Metternich in 1848. The conflicting ideals of international revolution and collective security came into being with Lenin and Wilson in 1918. Nationalism, tempered by the Balance of Power, dominated Europe in the intervening seventy years. Drawing on a wealth of diplomatic documents, A. J. P. Taylor examines the relations of the Great Powers, when Europe was still the centre of the world. Written in characteristically vigorous prose, this is a challenging and original diplomatic history, that also considers the political and economic forces which made continental war inevitable.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #210012 in Books
• Published on: 1971-04-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 674 pages

Observer
"One of the glories of twentieth-century writing."

Review
One of the glories of twentieth-century writing. (Observer )

Observer
"One of the glories of twentieth-century writing."

Customer Reviews

Masterly, and not a struggle to read
A.J.P Taylor's history is told through the prism of diplomatic affairs and great power jockeying for position. This is only one aspect of history, but in fact this book is an excellent guide to 19th century Europe overall, or its second half, and it has enough about economic and political developments to be readable as a general work. It is also extremely entertaining, both in a gossipy kind of way and because Taylor isn't afraid of going through the strategic intricacies of each situation. Don't be discouraged by the length; this is extremely readable. And it becomes wistful in the end, as your English summer slowly goes.

I once recommended this as a `top 3' to someone who knew very little history, but Taylor's well-known work appeals both to the novice and the knowledgeable amateur.

Detailed Diplomatic History.
This isn't the ideal book for someone to try and get acquainted with the subject for the first time as the sheer number of key figures and events is quite substantial. Despite that problem I did finish the book with a much greater sense of how the events of this seventy year period played into one another. The complex array of shifting alliances and jockeying for position is conveyed quite ably, although a glossary of the key figures would have been useful for relative neophytes like myself.

Well-researched, brilliant, but turgid to read in parts
This book is typical of AJP Taylor's brilliant and original historical analysis. Where it falls below his standard (particularly Origins of Second World War) is in the turgidness of the writing, and the blow-by-blow account of events. There is also an element of "I am writing a great book here". I think also maybe the period was too long and complex to suite AJP Taylor's level of detail which I feel is character-based. In other words, the shape of events are drawn through a close examination of personal motives, the roles and motivations of the players etc. I would have preferred a more sweeping book which looked at the period as a whole. Then to look back, and summarise the role of players - perhaps at the period when they died, or fell. Therefore, the fault of the book (in my view) is in construction which conflicts too much with the style of writing. Overall, an excellent insight into the period, and a reflection of Taylor's decisive contribution to history. However, if have read his other books, you may be disappointed that this is not a casual read.