Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, bestselling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom – a story that twists and turns from Greece and Rome, through the Dark Ages, the Reformation and the French Revolution, to the Second World War and up to the present day.

Jenkins takes in leaders from Julius Caesar and Joan of Arc, to Wellington and Angela Merkel, as well as cultural figures from Aristotle to Shakespeare and Picasso. He brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale – all with his usual insight, colour and authority.

Despite the importance of Europe’s politics, economy and culture, there has not been – until now – a concise book to tell this story. Covering the key events, themes and individuals, Jenkins’ portrait of the continent could not be more timely – or masterful.