Europe East & West

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This collection features essays and lectures by one of Britain’s most esteemed historians, offering insights into contemporary political and cultural issues in Europe. The work challenges Western stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of including Eastern European history, arguing that neglecting this perspective has hindered our understanding of pivotal events, particularly the Second World War. The essays address common distortions and biases while also reflecting on the craft of history-writing. Topics range from the classical roots of the European concept to the Cold War division between East and West, and from the Jewish and Islamic influences on European history to the continent's global expansion. The collection also examines the complexities surrounding the Allied victory in 1945, Britain’s role in Europe, and the personal journey of language learning. Together, these essays provide a multifaceted view of European history, presenting it through engaging and unconventional lenses.