ePub The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815-1914 (The Penguin History of Europe) by Richard J. Evans in History

Review

67 of 71 people found the following review helpful. The book does not disappoint. But the author over reaches by also trying ...By Biblio-NutI purchased this book on the basis of newspaper reviews and the author's considerable reputation as an historian. I expected a readable history of the main currents in politics; society and the economy in Europe over the century covered. The book does not disappoint. But the author over reaches by also trying to cover the major developments in art; music; literature and the frontiers of science. That treatment is too often superficial and not related to the book's main focus. His treatment often comes off as no more than name dropping. Do we need to know that the French Symbolists and Impressionist paintings may have influenced the music of Debussy and Ravel? To show the spread of science; on pages 497 to 498 Evans rattles off a list of scientists and their achievements; but without drawing connections to their work or the impact on the further advancement of science. For example; the significance of the work of the Curries; Rontgen and Rutherford (mentioned) and Max Planck (not mentioned) ushered in the exploration of the atom; which would dominate the physical sciences in the 20th century. The book is organized into sections and subsections in which Evans explores various themes. Information and facts can come from all directions to prove a generalization. That can sometimes be interesting; but also disconcerting. In discussing the changing concept of modern time Evans brings in racing tea clippers; the sinking of the Titanic; the depiction of time and motion in early 20th century paintings; experiments in the French cinema and Einstein's theory of special relativity (pages 393-394). The facts don't always integrate and the generalizations don't entirely convince. The narration is aided by 20 special maps and a lovely midsection of glossy color reproductions of art related to historical events. There is a 10 page guide to further reading. The book is directed at the general reader; so there are no scholarly notes. Even with its shortcomings and excesses; that only take up only a small part of the book; Evans has written a fascinating; readable narrative history of the European century before it plunged into world war.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A cultural history of 19th century EuropeBy PhebeThis is a cultural history; not a political history. And as culture has many components; it starts over many times; detailing the culture of mechanization; feminism and social welfare; Empire; etc. anew each section. I didn't like this organization; though I can see the reason for it. The book is very; very long. And it seems rather shallow to me; perhaps because I like targeted history that takes one subject; sets it in context; and develops it exhaustively. So I like Evans' histories of the Third Reich. Cultural history has its place; but the title Pursuit of Power; Europe 1815 -- 1914 implies political history so I was slow to catch on. In the future I want to know what kind of history I am reading before I embark on a book of this length.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great Book to understand the Modern World.By Michael L PenuelThis was a good book about what was to me the missing century between Napeleon and the Grear War. It else really helped me understand the roots of modern liberalism and progressive politics. It really helps explain how the world was leading to Great War.