European history reading suggestions
Hi all, I'm in Year 12 studying history A-Level and want to apply for history at uni next year (will apply for Oxbridge). I want to learn more about general European history as an interest outside the classroom and as I am part German (and to go on my PS when I apply).
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Reply 1
Original post
by TRichterHi all, I'm in Year 12 studying history A-Level and want to apply for history at uni next year (will apply for Oxbridge). I want to learn more about general European history as an interest outside the classroom and as I am part German (and to go on my PS when I apply).
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
hi, this isnt strictly european history but i have an offer to study history and politics at oxford and i read prisoners of geography by tim marshall! it was on my PS and i was asked about at interview. it argues that the politics of a country will be determined by its physical landscape and might be an interesting read for you as it has some history bits in it and covers every single continent
Reply 2
Prisoners of Geography is an excellent book.
Try The Oxford History of Modern Europe by T Blanning and/or A History of Europe by Norman Davies. I also recommend The Shortest History of Germany by James Hawes, Iron Kingdom by Chrstopher Clark, Frederick Cobban's History of Modern France, and J H Elliott's Imperial Spain.
Try The Oxford History of Modern Europe by T Blanning and/or A History of Europe by Norman Davies. I also recommend The Shortest History of Germany by James Hawes, Iron Kingdom by Chrstopher Clark, Frederick Cobban's History of Modern France, and J H Elliott's Imperial Spain.
Reply 3
TRichter
OP
3
Brilliant, thank you so much!
Reply 5
Original post
by TRichterHi all, I'm in Year 12 studying history A-Level and want to apply for history at uni next year (will apply for Oxbridge). I want to learn more about general European history as an interest outside the classroom and as I am part German (and to go on my PS when I apply).
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Hi,
I know that this post is not 8 months old, but I thought I would reply any way to give a suggestion to either you or anybody else who reads this thread.
I would recommend:
Best, Anthony. International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond. Second Edition
Although its not explicitly on European History, its content is most concerned with European politics and developments in the 20th Century. This text was incredibly useful for my European History unit here at Bournemouth University - but it also could be an amazing introductory text.
I hope this helps,
Harvey
Reply 6
Original post
by TRichterHi all, I'm in Year 12 studying history A-Level and want to apply for history at uni next year (will apply for Oxbridge). I want to learn more about general European history as an interest outside the classroom and as I am part German (and to go on my PS when I apply).
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Any suggestions about where to start would be great! It's probably a good idea to start with more overview-y books so if anyone can recommend any like that I'd be really grateful
Hi, slightly late!
I'm a second year history student at Manchester Met! I would recommend more conceptual works, especially if you're considering Oxbridge, like Orientalism by Edward Said - it's not strictly European history, but it's brilliant for understanding how historians and writers have framed the relationship between Europe and the wider world, shows engagement with critical perspectives. It can also give you great material to discuss in a personal statement or interview.
All the best!
Innaya,
MMU Student Rep x
(edited 3 months ago)
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