Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800-1914

 This is a comprehensive survey of European history from the coup d'etat of Napoleon Bonaparte in France to the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand at Sarajevo, which led to the First World War. It concentrates on the twin themes of revolution and nationalism, which often combined in the early part of the century but which increasingly became rival creeds. Going beyond traditional political and diplomatic history, the book incorporates the results of recent research on population movements, the expansion of markets, the accumulation of capital, social mobility, education, changing patterns of leisure, religious practices, and intellectual and artistic developments. The work falls into three chronological sections. The first, starting in 1800 (rather than the more usual 1815) follows the build-up of the revolutionary currents which were eventually going to erupt in the `Year of Revolutions' 1848. The second, from 1850 to 1880, deals with the golden age of capitalism, the successful culmination of struggles for national unification, and the threat of anarchism. The concluding chapters look at the social and political stresses caused by socialism and national minorities, at new attempts by government to order society, imperial rivalry, and the descent into a war which was to mark the end of nineteenth-century Europe. For this third edition, Dr Gildea has substantially revised the text and maps, and completely updated the bibliography. Newly-added introductory sections guide the reader through the wealth of material in each chapter. The new edition also includes for the first time a full Chronology of the period, a list of leading state ministers, and family trees for all the major dynasties.

Review: Review from previous edition From the first edition:
A brilliant blend of synthesis and original insight. * T.C.W. Blanning *
. . . includes an impressive amount of detailed information, a good deal of it not to be found in its more obvious competitors. * M.S. Anderson, Times Literary Supplement *
This is a most complete and comprehensive study of 19th century Europe. It is scholarly yet readable and will be invaluable in the teaching of undergraduates for this period. It will be placed on the 'highly recommended' reading list. * Professor Paul Preston, Queen Mary College *
An invaluable overview which gives full justice to 'history in the broad' for this important period. We have long needed an up-to-date treatment of the 19th Century which integrates new work with the long-established themes. * Dr J Stevenson, Department of History, University of Sheffield *
Thoroughly first class effort at comprehensive interpretation - particularly impressive I think on cultural-intellectual aspect. * R T Shannon, University of Swansea *
. . . a formidable achievement . . . the coverage is succinct and clear . . . the detailed treatment of particular themes is as satisfactory as the general arrangement of the work . . . the overwhelming impression is of a subtle intelligence at work and the result is an excellent and comprehensive study. * Jeremy Black, Times Higher Educational Supplement *
From the second edition:
This is by far the best general text on C19th Curope, rich in detail, clear in structure and with a useful bibliography. The new edition is far more attractive that its predecessor. * Dr David Laven, Lecturer, University of Reading *
As well as discussing the necessary political events of the century, the book has much to say about cultural changes, education, urbanisation, and economic change. * Contemporary Review, 29/11/1996 *