Eighteenth Century Europe, 1700-1789

Book excerpt: Offers a thematic account of Europe, which includes treatment of Britain as a European country, from 1700 until the outbreak of the French Revolution. In its wide-ranging coverage of this period, it explores social, cultural and economic topics as well as giving clear analysis of the political events. It opens with a discussion of the 'hostile environment' and, against the startlingly grim background of disease and death, it goes on to discuss the scope and variety of the economy, commerce and society. It also looks at the role of towns, the Church, religion, medicine and culture, and so builds up a rich picture of life in 'ancien régime' Europe.