Age of Revolution and Reaction 1789-1850 (Norton History of Modern Europe)

Charles Breunig does a masterful job of painting a picture of a growing, developing Europe, in what many believe was the most remarkable period in European history.

Breunig's scholarship and narrative style notwithstanding, the illustrations are excellent in providing a stimulating historical perspective.

One expects that the French Revolution would be the centerpoint, but excellent pre-revolution observations and post-revolution results are treated as well. Breunig shows how the Industrial Revolution, in resource rich England, was the begining and the various European Revolutions were the results. The section on Russia and its gradual revolution is excellent on several fronts, not the least of which as a partial explanation for the second revolution in the early 20th century.

"Revolutionary Europe" is an excellent reading experience for anyone from someone looking to be introduced to this exciting period to graduate student. Breunig's dry wit make this an enjoyable experience.

This book is an excellent summary of the critical period when the old feudal Europe was swept away, and the modern industrial Europe was born. It begins describing the philosophes of the ancien regime, and ends with the Communist Manifesto. In between, it builds the bridge between the two.

Breunig descibes each of the major European powers (England, Austria, Prussia, Russia, and of course France), how their status quo was disrupted by the French Revolution and Napoleon, then how their reactionary governments tried, ultimately in vain, to stem the tide of revolution that swept Europe in the 1820's through 1850. One fascinating passage describes how the post-Napoleonic European leaders, desperately sick of war, struck a careful balance of power among themselves to ensure a steady, yet fragile, peace. Yet while maintaining this, the sovereigns (or most of them) ruthlessly crushed their internal conflicts, sometimes willingly accepting help from neighbors and formal rivals.

This book is especially interesting to Americans looking to understand the relationships between European countries and the roots of modern Europe.

This is an excellent, brief account of a critical period in European history. The author covers the impact of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic period, the industrial revolution, important European diplomatic events, the restoration of monarchy, political and social movements, and the revolutions of 1848. The account of this historical period not only chronicles the key events of the time, but is highly analytical and intelligently explains why historical events occurred. The author offers well-conceived interpretations of the patterns and trends of the political, economic, diplomatic, and social forces of the period. Succinct summaries are provided at the end of chapters. Many nice illustrations and several maps enhance the book. Very highly recommended.