Europe in 7 1/2 Chapters

£16.99

It has never been more important to understand the rich and fascinating story of the European continent. As the old global order crumbles under the double shock of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, everyone is wondering whether Europe can step into the breach. But what is this Europe? Drawing on a lifetime of studying, travelling in and writing about Europe, Timothy Garton Ash tells the continent’s story in a hundred pages. Brilliantly readable, witty, accessible yet profound,’ Europe in 7 1/2 Chapters’ takes you on an exhilarating journey through geography, history and culture – from wars and revolutions to food and football – to show how Europe came to be as it is today: more united than ever, and more divided. Can it still flourish in this dangerous new world and even shape it for the better?

Pre-order

Scheduled for publication on 15th October, 2026
The book will be available on or after this date. If you would like to preorder a copy, we will notify you when it is ready to collect.

SKU: 9781847929174 Category: Tags: , , , Publisher/imprint : The Bodley Head
Page count : 192
Published on 15th October, 2026

Description

What is Europe?

As the old world order crumbles, it has never been more important to understand the epic story of Europe – the world’s smallest and largest, oldest and newest continent.

‘A lifetime of learning condensed into 160 pages – full of fascinating nuggets and insights’ SAM FREEDMAN

Europe is at once vast and intricate: you can have breakfast in Germany, coffee in the Netherlands and lunch in Belgium. It invented democracy but has fought nearly 3,000 wars in the last millennium. And its past is present everywhere: the borders of vanished empires still show up in election results today.

Brilliantly accessible yet profound, and fizzing with anecdote and expertise, Europe in 7 ½ Chapters is an exhilarating journey through Europe’s geography, history and culture – from wars and revolutions to food and football – which shows how Europe came to be as it is today: more united and more divided than ever. Can it still flourish in this dangerous new world, and even shape it for the better?

Whether you're looking for an introduction to the continent’s breathtaking past or the perfect holiday read, you should have Europe in 7½ Chapters in your pocket – it is witty, surprising and always entertaining.

Praise for Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash

‘The perfect book for the present’ TIMOTHY SNYDER

‘Tremendously enjoyable’ DOMINIC SANDBROOK

‘A moving love letter to Europe’ LEA YPI

‘Readers could hardly wish for a wiser guide’ FINANCIAL TIMES

Additional information

Weight 0.286 kg
Dimensions 22.3 × 14.3 × 1.9 cm
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