Europe, in particular Ancient Greece, was the birthplace of Western culture. It played a predominant role in global affairs from the 16th century onwards, especially after the beginning of colonialism. Between the 16th and 20th centuries, European nations controlled at various times the Americas, most of Africa, Oceania, and large portions of Asia. Both World Wars were ignited in Central Europe, greatly contributing to a decline in European dominance in world affairs by the mid-20th century as the United States and Soviet Union took prominence. During the Cold War Europe was divided along the Iron Curtain between NATO in the West and the Warsaw Pact in the East. European integration led to the formation of the Council of Europe and the European Union in Western Europe, both of which have been expanding eastward since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.Explore the history behind the cradle of civilization, explore the history behind the world.

A portable and affordable reference tool, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History provides reading, writing, and research advice useful to students in all history courses. Concise yet comprehensive advice on approaching typical history assignments, developing critical reading skills, writing effective history papers, conducting research, using and documenting sources, and avoiding plagiarism -- enhanced with practical tips and examples throughout -- have made this slim reference a best-seller. Now in its sixth edition, the book offers more coverage of working with sources than ever before.

From prehistoric times to the present day this comprehensive history presents the story of Ireland in bite-size chunks. With illustrations throughout this is an attractive and practical guide to Ireland's colorful history.

Fuelled by espresso coffee, Seattle is a trendy, vibrant and ambitious city at the helm of technology and popular culture. Beyond the skyscrapers and farmers' markets, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beckon with unmatched natural beauty. Make the most of your trip to this dynamic city with DK Eyewitness Top 10. Planning is a breeze with our simple lists of ten, covering the very best that Seattle has to offer and ensuring that you don't miss a thing. Best of all, the pocket-friendly format is light and easily portable; the perfect companion while out and about. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Seattle is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Top 10 Seattle you will find: - Detailed Top 10 lists of Seattle's must-sees including Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the International District and Discovery Park - Easy-to-follow itineraries including ideas for day trips, weekends and a week's worth of plans to make the most out of each and every day - Expert advice: honest recommendations on Seattle's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, eating out and sightseeing, with top tips on getting ready, getting around and staying safe - Themed lists including including the best museums, outdoor activities, restaurants, things to do for free, and much more - Detailed maps including a laminated pull-out map of Corfu and the Ionian Islands plus four full-color area maps - Covers: Seattle Highlights, Pike Place Market, Seattle Centre, Seattle Waterfront, Pioneer Square, International District, Broadway, Lake Washington Ship Canal, University of Washington, Woodland Park Zoo, Discovery Park, Downtown, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Ballard, and West Seattle Looking for more on Seattle's culture, history and attractions? Don't forget to check out DK Eyewitness Pacific Northwest. About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.

An accessible and succinct account of the story of Europe from its ancient foundations to the twenty-first century European Union.

What is Europe? Firstly, of course, it is a continent made up of countless disparate peoples, races and nations, and governed by different ideas, philosophies, religions and attitudes. Nonetheless, it has a common thread of history running through it, stitching the lands and peoples of its past and present together into one fabric and held together by the continent's great institutions, such as the Church of Rome, the Holy Roman Empire, the European Union, individual monarchies, trade organisations and social movements. Europe, however, is also an idea. From almost the beginning of time, men have harboured aspirations to make this vast territory one. The Romans came close and a few centuries later, the foundations for a great European state were laid with the creation of the Holy Roman Empire - an empire different to any other in that it enjoyed the approval of God, through the Church in Rome. Napoleon overreached himself in attempting to create a European-wide Empire - as did Adolf Hitler. Now, however, Europe is as close as it ever has been to being one entity, yet we Europeans still cling to our national independence. In A Short History of Europe Gordon Kerr provides a coherent map of the jumbled history of Europe and the European idea that has brought us to this point.

Comprehensive in its scope and brilliantly readable, this is a superb follow-up to the author's bestselling Penguin History of the World. Beginning with prehistory and the early civilizations of the Aegean, The Penguin History of Europe traces the development of European identity in its many guises, through the age of Christendom, the Middle Ages, early Modern history and the old European order.