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The Pursuit of Power

Europe 1815-1914

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About this listen

The Pursuit of Power draws on a lifetime of thinking about 19th-century Europe to create an extraordinarily rich, surprising and entertaining panorama of a continent undergoing drastic change.

The aim of this audiobook is to reignite the sense of wonder that permeated this remarkable era, as rulers and ruled navigated overwhelming cultural, political and technological changes. It was a time where what was seen as modern with amazing speed appeared old-fashioned, where huge cities sprang up in a generation, where new European countries were created and where, for the first time, humans could communicate almost instantly over thousands of miles.

Richard Evans gives full coverage to the revolutions, empire building and wars that marked the 19th century, but the book is about so much more, whether it is illness, serfdom, religion or philosophy. The Pursuit of Power is an audiobook by a historian at the height of his powers and an essential audiobook for anyone trying to understand Europe, then or now.

©2016 Richard J Evans (P)2016 Audible, Ltd 19th Century Europe Modern Politics & Government World Imperialism War Socialism Middle Ages Soviet Union Capitalism Russia Latin American Africa Winston Churchill Taxation Social justice Self-Determination Interwar Period
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A truly superb history of a surprisingly under-reported time period. If you enjoy sweeping narratives of the grand strategies of the competing powers, you should enjoy this book. It also goes into great detail about the political, economic and social forces at work in this era. I will definitely lists again.

The narrator is a little... unusual. However, he quickly becomes very engaging and I would listen to more of his work.

Excellent history

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A detailed account of a turbulent century. Tremendous social change ultimately overshadowed by Europe's hubris and the stumble into WW1.
Reading style was ponderous with undue emphasis on non-English names. However, the details in the book overcame the poor delivery.

A turbulent European century

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Reading is painful to listen to. Narrator sounds hysterical when quoting verbatim one of the historical characters

Mediocre

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Great book. Covers lots of info. This period is somewhat left behind as it is sandwiched between two war time eras. However it is a must as it explains how the issues from Napoleon's time led to World War 1. Even more importantly it covers all the social upheavals as well as the political machinations of the countries of the time.

Between Napoleon and WW1

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I covered this period at school, but mostly from a British only angle. What an amazing and often brutal period this book brings out. Tempted to listen again. Highly recommended.

What a great historical summary of 100

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