It has been called the age of revolution. The white heat of it came in the decades either side of the year 1800. But it lasted a full from the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the great national unifications of Germany and Italy during the 1860s. Right in the middle of this long age of revolution and, as it turns out, the pivotal point within it, comes the Greek Revolution that broke out in the spring of 1821. Historians have been slow to recognise the key role of the Greek uprising in 1821, and the international recognition of Greece as a sovereign, independent state nine years later, in 1830, in this process that did so much to shape the geopolitics of the European continent, and indeed of much of the world. This little book sets out to explain what happened during these nine years to bring about such far-reaching (and surely unanticipated) consequences, and why the full significance of these events is only now coming to be appreciated, two hundred years later.
Roderick Beaton Book order






- 2021
- 2021
The Greeks: A Global History
- 592 pages
- 21 hours of reading
A sweeping history of the Greeks, from the Bronze Age to today More than two thousand years ago, the Greek city-states, led by Athens and Sparta, laid the foundation for much of modern science, the arts, politics, and law. But the influence of the Greeks did not end with the rise and fall of this classical civilization. As historian Roderick Beaton illustrates, over three millennia Greek speakers produced a series of civilizations that were rooted in southeastern Europe but again and again ranged widely across the globe. In The Greeks, Beaton traces this history from the Bronze Age Mycenaeans who built powerful fortresses at home and strong trade routes abroad, to the dramatic Eurasian conquests of Alexander the Great, to the pious Byzantines who sought to export Christianity worldwide, to today's Greek diaspora, which flourishes on five continents. The product of decades of research, this is the story of the Greeks and their global impact told as never before.
- 2019
Greece
- 496 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Introduction: the nation and its ancestors -- East meets west? (1718-1797) -- A seed is sown (1797-1821) -- Born in blood (1821-1833) -- First steps (1833-1862) -- Ideals and sorrows of youth (1862-1897) -- Military service (1897-1913) -- The self divided (1913-1923) -- Starting over (1923-1940) -- Meltdown (1940-1949) -- Uncle Sam's protege (1949-1974) -- Coming of age in Europe (1974-2004) -- Midlife crisis? (2004- ).
- 2013
Byron's War
- 356 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The story of Lord Byron's involvement with Greece and the Greek War of Independence has often been told, but this study, by a leading scholar, throws new light on the impact of Greece on British Romanticism, on Byron's relationship with Greece, and on the making of the modern Greek state.
- 2004
Folk Poetry of Modern Greece
- 248 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Exploring the evolution of popular poetry and songs, this study spans from the decline of the Byzantine Empire to contemporary times. It delves into the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these artistic expressions, highlighting their significance in reflecting societal changes and influences throughout the centuries. The work offers insights into various themes and styles, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity that has persisted across generations.
- 1999
An Introduction to Modern Greek Literature
- 440 pages
- 16 hours of reading
The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Greek poetry and fiction from 1821 to the present, marking the first in-depth study of this literary period as a whole. It highlights significant developments in Greek literature since national independence, making it accessible to readers without prior knowledge of the language. Quotations are provided in both Greek and English, ensuring a broader understanding of the works discussed. This revised edition updates Beaton's acclaimed 1994 introduction, reflecting the latest scholarship in the field.
- 1996
Ariadne's Children
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The narrative intertwines ancient history with a family's legacy over three generations amidst seventy years of European political upheaval. As World War I erupts, archaeologist Lionel Richardson escapes to Crete for an excavation at Ano Meri. His groundbreaking work becomes an all-consuming obsession, leading to profound consequences for his family, who bear the burden of his pursuits.