n 1900, Europe dominated the world. It dominated politically, economically, culturally, technologically. It was indeed a mighty continent. Seventy-five years later, the mighty continent is undone. Twice in this century, aggressive nationalism in Europe proved stronger than its system of international security. Twice the countries of Europe went to war: once in a mood of innocent enthusiasm based on ignorance; the second time without the enthusiasm, but with no less savagery. In the process, twice the mighty continent tore itself to pieces.

At the turn of this century, Europe had just passed through a twenty year period of peace, most unusual for its highly nationalistic countries. It looked to the twentieth century with brash hope for a new beginning: there would be no more wars in this new era of prosperity and influence. What went wrong?

With a sense of history at once dynamic and comprehensive, British historian John Terraine writes a highly personal overview of the events of this century which caused Europe its retreat from power. Enlivening his history are over two hundred rarely published contemporary photographs and paintings, some never before reproduced in the United States. This book was written in conjunction withand expanded from a British Broadcasting Corporation television series of the same name (yet to be scheduled for broadcast in America), and is similar in format and scope to Alistair Cooke’s America and Sir Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation.

Visually exciting, comprehensive, vivid in its narrative and unique in its historical perspective, THE MIGHTY CONTINENT is a must for anyone who wants to understand the way the world is today.