Hey everyone,
I’m looking to build a reading list to deepen my understanding of European history. My current interests range from the post-WWII era all the way back to Antiquity. I am looking for a mix of "Big Picture" overviews that connect the dots across the continent, as well as deep dives into specific eras and nations.
I am particularly interested in:
• The Classical World: Ancient Greece and Rome—specifically their mythologies (the "gods/goodness"), philosophy, and their influence on modern governance.
• France & Austria: The rise of the Habsburg Empire, the French Revolution, and the Napoleonic era.
• Revolutions & Governance: How European governments shifted from absolute monarchies to modern democracies.
• The World Wars: The social and political shifts following 1945.
Could you recommend books that cover these topics?
I’m also interested in learning more about the Spanish Golden Age, the British Industrial Revolution, and the Nordic Vikings, as I feel these are missing pieces in my current knowledge.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!