"Simpson and Jones must be praised for their erudition and ambition. Europe 1783-1914 adroitly reveals the complexities of an era that still casts a shadow over contemporary Europe. The text paints a rich portrait, sensitive to nuance and interlocking themes, while offering a wonderful platform for discussion, debate, and further exploration."
Christopher Burdett, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
"Europe 1783-1914 is a superb example of what a textbook on this period ought to be. Covering content from the British Isles to the Russian steppe, Simpson and Jones weave elegant narrative and practical application into every chapter. Strong on Continental history, this book balances the history of the great nations and empires of the era with strong cross-national and comparative topics from imperialism and socialism to nationalism and diplomatic history. Dense with maps, images and primary sources, the book is well-documented, from clearly sourced captions to the "Further reading" at the end of each chapter. The inclusion of primary sources with questions is particularly useful. Best of all, Simpson and Jones is a pleasure to read, from beginning to end, a real book with real style."
Elizabeth Morrow Clark, West Texas A&M University, USA
Praise for the second edition:
The survey of European History over a lengthy period is one of the long-established genres of textbook, the starting point for the diligent student and the main source for many. Authors are faced with a daunting task: the need to balance compression with sufficient detail, to cover cultural and scientific as well as social and political history, and to maintain continuity, while knowing that most readers will consult them with their present essay in mind. William Simpson and Martin Jones follow a relatively conservative form with broad thematic chapters punctuated by studies of individual countries. They do it well, and this sensibly structured book with excellent illustrations, chronologies, "topics for debate" and document extracts will repay that rare event, the purchase by a student of book.
Who is it for? A level students and undergraduates.
Presentation: very well designed structure. The "topics for debate" and document extracts are excellent and up to date in their historiography.
Would I recommend it? Yes. A good reliable general history.
A.W. Purdue, Tutor in History for the Open University - Times Higher Education Supplement, 22 July, 2010
