Suggested Reading

[Toby]

Hello,

I am backpacking across Western Europe (Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands) for six weeks in May and June of next year. This will be my first visit abroad.

Do any of you have any suggestions relating to political or historical books on Europe, specifically Western Europe or the countries noted above?

I'm a political science major at a university here in Florida. The conservative movement here in the US has depressed me in the last few years, and the main reason I look forward to my trip is the history of Europe and its current state of social progression, especially in places such as Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which is in stark contrast to the US.

In addition to any political or historical texts, does anyone know of a helpful book that includes an overview of art? I know nothing about art, so I'm thinking I should educate myself before visiting.

Thanks much,

Toby

[MuvverRussia]

I can't think of any really outstanding books, you're probably best off finding some general history books if that's what you're after. You must remember that Europe has a far greater history than the United States, so any individual book will only cover one time period.

Generally, I'd look at contemporary history, basically because that's the most interesting. I particularly find the period between the World Wars (1918-39) the most interesting, especially from an economic point of view. Then there's the political side of things, especially looking at the rise of the far right in Germany and Italy during this period etc.

[rocklit]

I just realized I didn't sign in when I made my initial post on this topic ...

Thanks, MuvverRussia, for your response ... You're right about the long history ... I hadn't really thought about that ... I suppose I could buy a book on one specific country, such as Britain, France, Italy, or the Netherlands, the countries I will be visiting for the longest duration.

I'm well-versed in American history and politics. However, I know little about Western Europe's ... If I don't do lots of research before I go next year, I'll be very disappointed in myself

[WillTravel]

Any book by H. V. Morton is well worth your time, for travel, history, and culture. I especially like the Italy and Spain ones. I'd also suggest Jan Morris' books. For "pure" history, there are so many options. Look for books by British authors to get subtly different points of view.

[me]

as this isn't research for coursework, you needn't limit yourself to primary sources. there are lots of secondary publications that might be more linear, easier to digest.

- d

[sarahray85]

I major in history and though contemporary history is interesting, I must say that the history of the middle ages in western europe is not only fascinating but necessary to understanding the formation of the countries. For some really fun stuff check out the Merovingian family whose most agressive king was named Clovis. They were the Frankish dynasty that ruled the area that is now France and Germany from the late 5th c. to the middle of the 8th. They claimed they were part sea monster. Also, check out the dynasty that follwed them... the Carolingians especially if you're going to France. History can be really great or it can be dreadfully boring so I would suggest a quick moving text that is mostly just an outline. That way if you read something you'd like to know more about, you can research on the internet.

[LHR02]

Ken Follet's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is terrific. About the building of a great cathedral and is supposedly based on St.Denis is Paris. Great historical background and information on that time. And a whale of a good story to boot.

[me]

sarahray85 said:

Also, check out the dynasty that follwed them... the Carolingians especially if you're going to France.

the most famous Carolingian was named Karl the Great, aka Charlemagne, of a Germanic people known as Franks. the guy had chutzpa, he got the Pope to crown him Emperor of the Roman Empire at X-mas mass in 800. he ruled much of the Western Europe from his seat of power in Aachen. [there's a beautiful cathedral in Aachen where Karl is buried]

- d

[Maricat]

I liked Rick Steves, Europe 101. Very readable, and not as 'dry' as many history books can be.

I also found his "Mona Winks" book helpful, for the museum tours, which help break the biggies (like the Louvre) into a manageable 2-3hr chunk to time and priority viewing, and explains what you are looking at.