This book offers a new kind of introduction to Europe between 1500 and 1800. `Early modern' is the term used by historians for the period between the end of the Middle Ages and the start of the nineteenth century. It is a description born of hindsight. Europe was travelling towards something we recognize, called `modernity': the journey was begun, but not finished.

The contributors to Early Modern Europe set out to convey the feel of the changes in life, beyond the raw historical data. Their chapters are extensively illustrated with carefully chosen images which complement the text. The book considers the evolving economy and society -- the basic facts of life for the majority of Europe's people. It shows how the religious and intellectual unity of western culture fragmented and dissolved under the impact of new ideas. It examines politics, not just as the rise and fall of empires, but for the emergence of modern attitudes and techniques in governing.