A People's History of Modern Europe
Exploring the lives behind Europe's historical narrative
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pluto Press
Published:20th May '16
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This compelling history reveals the untold stories of ordinary people in A People's History of Modern Europe, reshaping our understanding of the continent's past.
In A People's History of Modern Europe, the narrative of Europe unfolds through the lives of its people rather than its rulers. This historical account spans from the oppressive monarchies of the Middle Ages to the fractured landscape of the twenty-first century. It emphasizes the experiences and struggles of individuals and groups that mainstream history often overlooks, highlighting their significant contributions to the continent's evolution.
The book delves into the various political revolutions that emerged from the grassroots level, showcasing movements like the German peasant wars led by Thomas Müntzer, the bourgeois revolutions of the eighteenth century, and the rise of industrial workers in England. It also explores the tumultuous journey of the Russian Soviets and the vital role played by the European working class during the Cold War. Through these lenses, A People's History of Modern Europe provides a comprehensive view of how ordinary people have continually fought against oppressive systems.
Furthermore, this history pays particular attention to the often-ignored contributions of women, trade unions, and student movements. By doing so, it challenges the conventional narratives that have prioritized the perspectives of the elite, offering readers a fresh understanding of Europe's past. This approach not only enriches our knowledge but also encourages us to envision a more equitable future, as the fight for alternatives to current economic systems continues.
'From the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 to the collapse of the Soviet Union, William A. Pelz presents a challenging alternative to the conventional narratives of European history' -- Ian Birchall, author of The Spectre of Babeuf (London)
'A fascinating journey across centuries towards the world as we experience it today. it is the voice of the ordinary people, the less prominent figures, the women in particular, their ideas and actions, protests and sufferings that have gone into the making of this alternative narrative' -- Sobhanlal Datta Gupta, former Surendra Nath Banerjee Professor of Political Science, University of Calcutta (India)
'This is a history of Europe that doesn't remove the Europeans. Here there are not only kings, presidents, institutions but the pulse of the people and social organisations that shaped Europe' -- Raquel Varela, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Portugal)
'This lively and engaging book is not the story of lords, kings and rulers. It is the story of the ordinary people of Europe and their struggles against those lords, kings and rulers, from the Middle Ages to the present day' -- Francis King, editor, Socialist History
'An exception to the rule that the winner takes all in historiography' -- Sjaak van der Velden, International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam)
'The focus not only makes history relevant for contemporary debates on social justice, it also urges the reader to develop a critical approach towards sources, always asking who is represented and who is lost' -- Ralf Hoffrogge, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
'This book is a splendid antidote to the many European histories dominated by kings, businessmen and generals. It should be on the shelves of both academics and activists ... a lively and informative intellectual tour de force' -- Marcel van der Linden, International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam)
'Well-written and engrossing' -- Morning Star
'Gives an illuminating history of the class struggles and revolts which accompanied the modernisation of Europe' -- Counterfire
ISBN: 9780745332451
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 427g
288 pages