Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC-AD 1000
A sensational, interdisciplinary work which entirely reorients our understanding of Europe from 10,000 BC to the time of the Vikings
In this magnificent book, distinguished archaeologist Barry Cunliffe reframes our entire conception of early European history, from prehistory through the ancient world to the medieval Viking period. Cunliffe views Europe not in terms of states and shifting political land boundaries but as a geographical niche particularly favored in facing many seas. These seas, and Europe's great transpeninsular rivers, ensured a rich diversity of natural resources while also encouraging the dynamic interaction of peoples across networks of communication and exchange. The development of these early Europeans is rooted in complex interplays, shifting balances, and geographic and demographic fluidity.Drawing on archaeology, anthropology, and history, Cunliffe has produced an interdisciplinary tour de force. His is a bold book of exceptional scholarship, erudite and engaging, and it heralds an entirely new understanding of Old Europe.
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"When history is written in this way, conventional priorities are overthrown. . . . An admirable distillation of an enormous amount of evidence--full of what is beautiful, interesting and true."--James Fenton, The Sunday Times (
"Colorfully weaves history, geography archaeology and anthropology into a mesmerizing tapestry chronicling the development of Publishers Weekly(starred review)
Vibrant. . . . Europe Between the Oceans is eminently readable [and] synthesizes major themes in archaeology and history. . . . One of the most accessible discussions available.--Cheryl Ward, International Journal of Maritime History
Europe Between the Oceans, at once compelling and judicious, is an extraordinary book. A work of analytical depth and imaginative sweep. . . . Lavishly illustrated and replete with a sumptuous array of creatively conceived color maps.--Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic
Europe Between the Oceans, at once compelling and judicious, is an extraordinary book. A work of analytical depth and imaginative sweep. . . . Lavishly illustrated and replete with a sumptuous array of creatively conceived color maps, Cunliffe's book is further proof that its publisher produces the most beautiful and intelligently designed works of scholarship in the humanities. I can't think of a better gift this year for the historically minded reader.--Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly
Europe Between the Oceans is a work of great humanity, looking back across the abyss of time to catch a dim echo of our earlier selves. What is re-constructed is the early history of Europe, from the end of the last glaciation to the emergence of the continent's first nations. What is re-interpreted is something closer to human nature itself.--Peter N. Miller, New Republic
"Europe Between the Oceans, at once compelling and judicious, is an extraordinary book. A work of analytical depth and imaginative sweep. . . . Lavishly illustrated and replete with a sumptuous array of creatively conceived color maps. . ."--Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic Monthly
. . . a work of great humanity. . . . What is re-constructed is the early history of Europe. . . . What is re-interpreted is something closer to human nature itself.--Peter N. Miller, New Republic
"[Europe Between the Oceans] will become a permanent fixture in the libraries of all those for whom the origins of Europe remain a subject of fascination."--Bettina Arnold, American Scientist
"A magnificent work by a credible authority who can actually write engaging prose and, in his area of expertise--archaeology--establish a new standard in excellence for this subject. . ."--Tilly Wren, Bloomsbury Review
This tale is a human one, admirably told within a variety of geographical and ecological contexts. . . . Remarkable. . . . Europe between the Oceans is a model of interdisciplinary environmental history and a thoroughly enjoyable work. Cunliffe gracefully distills the essence of European development across a span of time as few authors would attempt, and he does so without sacrificing detail. It is admirable in its accessibility, currency, and scope, with much to offer general readers as well as historians and archaeologists.--Vicki Ellen Szabo, Journal of World History
Winner of the 2008 PROSE Award for Excellence in the World History & Biography/Autobiography category, sponsored by the Association of American Publishers
Top Seller in European History as compiled by YBP Library Services (2009)
"This is a truly remarkable book. . . . It is immensely readable and totally authoritative. . . . No one could read this book, one of its distinguished author's finest achievements, without pleasure and profit. Simply put, it is excellent: original, exciting and a delight to read."--Roger Collins, author of Visigoth Spain, 409-711 and Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000
"Cunliffe provides an enthralling history of Europe from end of the last ice age to the brink of global exploration, an extraordinary story told with unsurpassed knowledge and insight."--Steven Mithen, author of After the Ice: A Global Human History 20,000-5000 BC
"A fluent and authoritative overview from one of our best known and most respected archaeological writers highlighting the formative influence of contacts, coasts and rivers on the development of European societies from earliest times."--Chris Scarre, University of Durham, editor of The Human Past
"An astonishment: a transformation of prehistoric and early Europe from a minor outpost of the five continents into a restless and influential maritime member of an expanding world. Provocative but persuasive."--Aubrey Burl, author of A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany
"Cunliffe has written an extraordinary book, which is the culmination of a lifetime's research and thinking about early European history. This is archaeology that truly is history, a definitive account of early Europe from its beginnings to medieval times that draws effortlessly on a myriad of sources. Archaeologists, general readers, and historians alike will delight in this historical tapestry."--Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, The Long Summer
