To sum up; Globalism Good - Nationalism Bad

The author spends an entire book to explain the conflicts between Europeans and closes off with the African and Muslim invasion is good for Europe.

14 people found this helpful

The Development of Some European Civilizarion

A fine job with the dominant European cultures, such as Britain, France, and Germany, with less emphasis on the other European states.

10 people found this helpful

10/10 would recommend

I loved this course! I used it for studying for my AP European History class, and it was insanely helpful.

9 people found this helpful

Fascinating subject, well presented

The lecturer knows his subject and speaks comfortably. I knew very little about European history before listening, but feel I could contribute to an intelligent conversation now. I like how he explained the circumstances on how specific wars started-- from early history to both world wars. Especially eye opening was how Darwinism, Marxism, and other European philosophers of pre World War I shaped thought of the day that set the stage for both WWI and WWII. He made the topics flow naturally into on another, to show how Europe has evolved.

8 people found this helpful

Fantastic detailed and insightful European history

I have read and listened to many history books. This was easily one of the best.

The lecturer is knowledgeable and passionate. His narration was enjoyable. Even though there was a lot of detail, I was never bored during the 24 hours and 32 minutes.

More importantly, I learned a lot. Professor Bartlett provides context and a unique point of view as he explains not only the historical events, but how the mindset and knowledge of the Europeans evolved across the past few centuries.

It's really an amazing feat to condense so much history and so much knowledge in only 24 hours. I highly recommend this book.

5 people found this helpful

Historical bias implied as objective

I find it interesting that he hardly and perhaps never talks about the freedom of religion. He puts a strong emphasis, especially toward the end, on the freedom of speech. He clearly has a bias against biblical Christianity as can be seen by his phrase Christian exclusivity. When he talks about religion in his lectures it is mostly in a negative way, where those in positions of religious authority, are using their position merely for the sake of power over others. He is missing a very valuable aspect of religion, and especially Christianity, when it comes to how society after society has benefited. I recommend the book How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin Schmidt. He also has a faulty understanding of Charles Darwin. Darwin did believe in the superiority of certain races over others and therefore was responsible for the experiment social Darwinism found in places such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and the eugenics movement throughout the western hemisphere including the United States.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent survey course

Professor Bartlett organized his course around the religious, social and scientific beliefs and theories that emerged and morphed during the long period under review. The emerging value systems challenged the orthodoxy of the time and explain the conflicts and insurrections that mark Europe's history and justify its characterization as "the dangerous continent."
Professor Bartlett's lectures were well organized and well-delivered with occasional snippets of wry humor. A very competent treatment of the subject matter!

3 people found this helpful

Very detailed but a little boring to listen to

Excellent, detailed book but maybe better read than listened to, I found myself tuning out at times as although I was interested in the content it wasn't always exciting or engaging.

3 people found this helpful

Pompous and verbose.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The fatuous.

Would you ever listen to anything by The Great Courses again?

Of course.

What didn’t you like about Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett’s performance?

He is idiotic to the point of distraction. He should read a book now out of print by Rudolf Flesch called How to Be Brief.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I couldn't listen long enough to find them.

3 people found this helpful

Amazing

What did you love best about The Development of European Civilization?

Everything

What did you like best about this story?

All of it

Have you listened to any of Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

i loved it.

Any additional comments?

This is wonderful and is a perfect recap. I wish everyone had listened to this.

3 people found this helpful