Bloomsbury Essential Histories – serie

In this introductory guide, Knud Jespersen traces the process of disintegration and reduction that helped to form the modern Danish state, and the historical roots of Denmark's international position. Beginning with the Reformation in the sixteenth century, Jespersen explains how the Denmark of today was shaped by wars, territorial losses, domestic upheavals, new methods of production, and changes in thought. Focusing on the interplay between history, politics and economics, this illuminating text offers an insider’s view of Danish identity formation over the last centuries.This engaging textbook is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses on Danish, Scandinavian or Nordic History. Concise and accessible, it will also appeal to anyone interested in gaining a clear understanding of the development of Denmark.

In this key textbook, Andres Kasekamp masterfully traces the development of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, from the northern crusades against Europe's last pagans and Lithuania's rise to become one of medieval Europe's largest states, to their incorporation into the Russian Empire and the creation of their modern national identities. Employing a comparative approach, a particular emphasis is placed upon the last one hundred years, during which the Baltic states achieved independence, endured occupation by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, and transformed themselves into members of the European Union.This is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking modules on Eastern or Central European History, Communism and Post-Communism, the Soviet Union, or Baltic Culture and Politics. Engaging and accessible, this is also an ideal introduction to the Baltic States for general readers.

An invaluable introductory textbook that provides students with a concise overview of the whole sweep of Spanish history, from its prehistoric origins right through to the present day. Simon Barton offers a clear and balanced account of the country’s strikingly rich and diverse history.This is an ideal core text for dedicated modules on Spanish History and Iberian History, or a supplementary text for broader modules on European History, which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate History, Spanish or European Studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the history of Spain for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in Spanish, European History, Spanish History or European Studies.New to this Edition:- Revised and updated throughout in light of the latest research- Provides coverage of recent events, such as the 2004 Madrid bombings, the general election of 2008 and the legalization of gay marriage- Includes additional maps and figures

Even a brief glance at the maps of what has, or might have, been called Germany through the ages reveals a kaleidoscope of alterations in shape and composition. Though there are elements of continuity, the history of Germany has been the history of nearly constant change.In this concise introduction to Germany''s fascinating past, Peter Wende provides an approachable historical interpretation of the key periods and turning points from Roman times to the present. Wende shows that, throughout the course of 2000 years, German history is actually the history of many Germanies, and that it can be written neither just as the history of a region nor of a political, ethnic or cultural formation. Focussing on key points in Germany''s political, social and economic development, this guide is ideal for all those with an interest in the complex and compelling history of one of Europe''s main nation-states.

This absorbing history of China from earliest times to the present covers the country's complex political and economic structures and culture in a concise yet nuanced manner. The third edition has been revised and expanded in the light of recent research and brings the story right up to date. Photos, tables and a new chronology also feature.

This absorbing history of China from earliest times to the present covers the country's complex political and economic structures and culture in a concise yet nuanced manner. The third edition has been revised and expanded in the light of recent research and brings the story right up to date. Photos, tables and a new chronology also feature.

Anita Prazmowska provides a wide-ranging survey of Poland's history; from early settlements, through the establishment of the Kingdom of Poland, to the present day modern state. This expanded second edition has been revised throughout in the light of the latest research, and brings the story right up to date. A new Bibliography also features.

This fresh and up-to-date interpretation of India's rich and extraordinary history, written by a leading authority in the field, explores themes in ancient, medieval and especially modern India. Peter Robb's accessible study analyses India's civilizations, empires and regions through the ages, and now also evaluates present-day developments and opportunities.A History of India, Second Edition• examines the relationships between politics, religious belief, social order, environment and economic change• assesses, from c. 1860, British colonialism, Indian nationalism and nation-building, popular protest movements, religious revivals, and re-inventions of caste, community and gender• discusses long-term economic development, the impact of global trade, and the origins of rural poverty• has been revised in the light of the latest scholarship, and now features a Chronology as well as a fully reworked final chapter which brings the story up to the present day and carefully considers India's prospects and new roles in the world.Centred around clearly expressed and well argued topics, issues and explanations, A History of India remains the ideal introduction for all those who wish to understand the drama and vitality of India's past, its present situation and its future challenges.

This fresh and up-to-date interpretation of India's rich and extraordinary history, written by a leading authority in the field, explores themes in ancient, medieval and especially modern India. Peter Robb's accessible study analyses India's civilizations, empires and regions through the ages, and now also evaluates present-day developments and opportunities.A History of India, Second Edition• examines the relationships between politics, religious belief, social order, environment and economic change• assesses, from c. 1860, British colonialism, Indian nationalism and nation-building, popular protest movements, religious revivals, and re-inventions of caste, community and gender• discusses long-term economic development, the impact of global trade, and the origins of rural poverty• has been revised in the light of the latest scholarship, and now features a Chronology as well as a fully reworked final chapter which brings the story up to the present day and carefully considers India's prospects and new roles in the world.Centred around clearly expressed and well argued topics, issues and explanations, A History of India remains the ideal introduction for all those who wish to understand the drama and vitality of India's past, its present situation and its future challenges.

From early human civilisation to today, this book illuminates the history of southern Africa. Interweaving social, cultural and political history, archaeology, anthropology and environmentalism, Neil Parsons and Alois Mlambo provide an engaging account of the region’s varied past. Placing African voices and agency at centre stage rather than approaching the subject through a colonial lens, A History of Southern Africa provides an engrossing narrative of the region.This textbook is ideal for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of History and African Studies, and will provide an essential grounding for those taking courses in the history of southern Africa. Its lively and accessible approach will appeal to anyone with an interest in global history.

From early human civilisation to today, this book illuminates the history of southern Africa. Interweaving social, cultural and political history, archaeology, anthropology and environmentalism, Neil Parsons and Alois Mlambo provide an engaging account of the region’s varied past. Placing African voices and agency at centre stage rather than approaching the subject through a colonial lens, A History of Southern Africa provides an engrossing narrative of the region.This textbook is ideal for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of History and African Studies, and will provide an essential grounding for those taking courses in the history of southern Africa. Its lively and accessible approach will appeal to anyone with an interest in global history.

Anita Prazmowska provides a wide-ranging survey of Poland''s history; from early settlements, through the establishment of the Kingdom of Poland, to the present day modern state. This expanded second edition has been revised throughout in the light of the latest research, and brings the story right up to date. A new Bibliography also features.

This fresh and up-to-date interpretation of India''s rich and extraordinary history, written by a leading authority in the field, explores themes in ancient, medieval and especially modern India. Peter Robb''s accessible study analyses India''s civilizations, empires and regions through the ages, and now also evaluates present-day developments and opportunities.A History of India, Second Edition• examines the relationships between politics, religious belief, social order, environment and economic change• assesses, from c. 1860, British colonialism, Indian nationalism and nation-building, popular protest movements, religious revivals, and re-inventions of caste, community and gender• discusses long-term economic development, the impact of global trade, and the origins of rural poverty• has been revised in the light of the latest scholarship, and now features a Chronology as well as a fully reworked final chapter which brings the story up to the present day and carefully considers India''s prospects and new roles in the world.Centred around clearly expressed and well argued topics, issues and explanations, A History of India remains the ideal introduction for all those who wish to understand the drama and vitality of India''s past, its present situation and its future challenges.

This absorbing history of China from earliest times to the present covers the country''s complex political and economic structures and culture in a concise yet nuanced manner. The third edition has been revised and expanded in the light of recent research and brings the story right up to date. Photos, tables and a new chronology also feature.

This wide-ranging study of the Pacific Islands provides a dynamic and provocative account of the peopling of the Pacific, and its broad impact on world history. Spanning over 50,000 years of human presence in an area which comprises one-third of our planet – Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia – the narrative follows the development of the region, from New Guinea's earliest settlement to the creation of the modern Pacific states.Thoroughly revised and updated in light of the most recent scholarship, the second edition includes:• an overview of the events and developments in the Pacific Islands over the last decade• coverage of the latest archaeological discoveries• several new maps• an updated and expanded bibliographySteven Roger Fischer's unique text provides a highly accessible and invaluable introduction to the history of an area which is currently emerging as pivotal in international affairs.A History of the Pacific Islands traces the human history of nearly one-third of the globe over a fifty-thousand year span. This is history on a grand scale, taking the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia from prehistoric culture to the present day through a skilful interpretation of scholarship in the field. Fischer's familiarity with work in archaeology and anthropology as well as in history enriches the text, making this a book with wide appeal for students and general readers.

This wide-ranging study of the Pacific Islands provides a dynamic and provocative account of the peopling of the Pacific, and its broad impact on world history. Spanning over 50,000 years of human presence in an area which comprises one-third of our planet – Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia – the narrative follows the development of the region, from New Guinea's earliest settlement to the creation of the modern Pacific states.Thoroughly revised and updated in light of the most recent scholarship, the second edition includes:• an overview of the events and developments in the Pacific Islands over the last decade• coverage of the latest archaeological discoveries• several new maps• an updated and expanded bibliographySteven Roger Fischer's unique text provides a highly accessible and invaluable introduction to the history of an area which is currently emerging as pivotal in international affairs.A History of the Pacific Islands traces the human history of nearly one-third of the globe over a fifty-thousand year span. This is history on a grand scale, taking the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia from prehistoric culture to the present day through a skilful interpretation of scholarship in the field. Fischer's familiarity with work in archaeology and anthropology as well as in history enriches the text, making this a book with wide appeal for students and general readers.

Russia is the largest country on the planet, a multi-ethnic empire, a great power of global significance. For much of its history it has been a 'peasant state', in which peasant society and values interacted critically with those of the ruling elites. In modern times its society has produced artists, writers, musicians, scientists and cosmonauts who have made a unique contribution to world culture. In the twentieth century, Russia has been the scene of the world's greatest social experiment - the most powerful challenge ever mounted to hegemonic Western values.Roger Bartlett traces the history of the country from its beginnings in Kiev Russia, through the Muscovite and Imperial, Soviet and post-Soviet periods, to the start of the twenty-first century. While offering a broad perspective on Russia's historical development, Bartlett focuses on the origins of Russian political culture and the place of the majority peasant population in the Russian/Soviet polity. Lucid, balanced and authoritative, it is the ideal introduction for all those with an interest in Russia's past, and its significance for the country's present.

Russia is the largest country on the planet, a multi-ethnic empire, a great power of global significance. For much of its history it has been a 'peasant state', in which peasant society and values interacted critically with those of the ruling elites. In modern times its society has produced artists, writers, musicians, scientists and cosmonauts who have made a unique contribution to world culture. In the twentieth century, Russia has been the scene of the world's greatest social experiment - the most powerful challenge ever mounted to hegemonic Western values.Roger Bartlett traces the history of the country from its beginnings in Kiev Russia, through the Muscovite and Imperial, Soviet and post-Soviet periods, to the start of the twenty-first century. While offering a broad perspective on Russia's historical development, Bartlett focuses on the origins of Russian political culture and the place of the majority peasant population in the Russian/Soviet polity. Lucid, balanced and authoritative, it is the ideal introduction for all those with an interest in Russia's past, and its significance for the country's present.

This illuminating and insightful guide offers a comprehensive overview of Scottish history, from the kingdom’s genesis in the ninth century to the independence debates of the present day. Considering both internal dynamics and international horizons, Allan Macinnes asserts Scotland’s heritage as significant and compelling in its own right, rather than reducing it to an offshoot of England’s past.Rigorous and wide-ranging, this textbook is an essential companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of History. Its lively and accessible style makes it suitable for anyone with an interest in Scotland’s national development.

This illuminating and insightful guide offers a comprehensive overview of Scottish history, from the kingdom’s genesis in the ninth century to the independence debates of the present day. Considering both internal dynamics and international horizons, Allan Macinnes asserts Scotland’s heritage as significant and compelling in its own right, rather than reducing it to an offshoot of England’s past.Rigorous and wide-ranging, this textbook is an essential companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of History. Its lively and accessible style makes it suitable for anyone with an interest in Scotland’s national development.

A History of Israel examines Israel's turbulent history from the first Zionist Congress of 1897 to the present day. Drawing on his considerable experience as historian and journalist, Ahron Bregman offers a balanced exploration of Israel's past in which the three principal driving themes of Jewish immigration, wars, and attempts to forge peace with Arabs and Palestinians combine into a single compelling narrative.New insights, revelations appearing in print for the first time, and portraits of Israeli leaders, past and present, are adeptly woven together with an overview of major events. This incisive book will be welcomed by all with an interest in the fascinating history of Israel.

A History of Israel examines Israel's turbulent history from the first Zionist Congress of 1897 to the present day. Drawing on his considerable experience as historian and journalist, Ahron Bregman offers a balanced exploration of Israel's past in which the three principal driving themes of Jewish immigration, wars, and attempts to forge peace with Arabs and Palestinians combine into a single compelling narrative.New insights, revelations appearing in print for the first time, and portraits of Israeli leaders, past and present, are adeptly woven together with an overview of major events. This incisive book will be welcomed by all with an interest in the fascinating history of Israel.

Even a brief glance at the maps of what has, or might have, been called Germany through the ages reveals a kaleidoscope of alterations in shape and composition. Though there are elements of continuity, the history of Germany has been the history of nearly constant change.In this concise introduction to Germany's fascinating past, Peter Wende provides an approachable historical interpretation of the key periods and turning points from Roman times to the present. Wende shows that, throughout the course of 2000 years, German history is actually the history of many Germanies, and that it can be written neither just as the history of a region nor of a political, ethnic or cultural formation. Focussing on key points in Germany's political, social and economic development, this guide is ideal for all those with an interest in the complex and compelling history of one of Europe's main nation-states.

An invaluable introductory textbook that provides students with a concise overview of the whole sweep of Spanish history, from its prehistoric origins right through to the present day. Simon Barton offers a clear and balanced account of the country''s strikingly rich and diverse history.This is an ideal core text for dedicated modules on Spanish History and Iberian History, or a supplementary text for broader modules on European History, which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate History, Spanish or European Studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the history of Spain for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in Spanish, European History, Spanish History or European Studies.New to this Edition:- Revised and updated throughout in light of the latest research- Provides coverage of recent events, such as the 2004 Madrid bombings, the general election of 2008 and the legalization of gay marriage- Includes additional maps and figures

Until the beginning of the 18th century, to be ''Italian'' meant to identify with a number of collective memories, rather than a national memory. Yet there are elements of continuity that have shaped Italian identity over the past 1,500 years. Religion, food, art and architecture, a literary language, as well as a particular relationship between cities and countryside, between family and civil society have all contributed to present day Italian culture and politics. Baldoli explores the history of Italy as a country, rather than as a nation, in order to trace its fascinating cultural and political development. Offering a way into each period of Italian history, the book brings Italy''s past to life with extracts from poetry, novels and music. Drawing on the latest research published in English and Italian, this is the ideal introduction for all those interested in Italy''s cultural and social past and its significance for the country''s present.

Greek-speaking people have occupied the Aegean region continuously since the Bronze Age, while Greek culture has been a feature of the Eastern Mediterranean dating back to the Age of Alexander. But what do Greeks today have in common with Homer, Plato and Aristotle? What are the links between the people who built the Parthenon and those who currently conserve it? Drawing on the latest research into ancient, medieval and modern history, Nicholas Doumanis provides fresh and challenging insights into Greek history since early antiquity. Taking a transnational approach, Doumanis argues that the resilience of Greek culture has a great deal to do with its continual interaction with other cultures throughout the centuries. Ideal for the undergraduate student, or anyone keen to find out more about Greek history, A History of Greece provides a unique and fascinating account of the fortunes and many transformations of Greek culture and society, from the earliest times to the present.

This wide-ranging study of the Pacific Islands provides a dynamic and provocative account of the peopling of the Pacific, and its broad impact on world history. Spanning over 50,000 years of human presence in an area which comprises one-third of our planet Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia the narrative follows the development of the region, from New Guinea''s earliest settlement to the creation of the modern Pacific states.Thoroughly revised and updated in light of the most recent scholarship, the second edition includes: an overview of the events and developments in the Pacific Islands over the last decade coverage of the latest archaeological discoveries several new maps an updated and expanded bibliographySteven Roger Fischer''s unique text provides a highly accessible and invaluable introduction to the history of an area which is currently emerging as pivotal in international affairs.A History of the Pacific Islands traces the human history of nearly one-third of the globe over a fifty-thousand year span. This is history on a grand scale, taking the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia from prehistoric culture to the present day through a skilful interpretation of scholarship in the field. Fischer''s familiarity with work in archaeology and anthropology as well as in history enriches the text, making this a book with wide appeal for students and general readers.

Few modern countries can boast of such a lengthy history as France, whose distinctive shape has been a key feature of the successive stages of European history during the past millennium. This engaging narrative seamlessly weaves together the complex tale of French history since the year 1000. Bringing together political, religious, social and cultural developments, A History of France provides an insightful and readable overview of the country's history as it moved from a dominant position within Europe – with an empire stretching across the continents – to one in which it was invaded and occupied by its largest neighbour. Through revolution, war and peace, Joseph Bergin explores how the Frankland of 1000 CE has mutated into the France we know today.

Few modern countries can boast of such a lengthy history as France, whose distinctive shape has been a key feature of the successive stages of European history during the past millennium. This engaging narrative seamlessly weaves together the complex tale of French history since the year 1000. Bringing together political, religious, social and cultural developments, A History of France provides an insightful and readable overview of the country''s history as it moved from a dominant position within Europe – with an empire stretching across the continents – to one in which it was invaded and occupied by its largest neighbour. Through revolution, war and peace, Joseph Bergin explores how the Frankland of 1000 CE has mutated into the France we know today.