After World War II, the path towards European integration has led to a struggle to define European identity. The vague boundaries - physical, cultural, linguistic - do not allow for the emergence of a common characteristic that connects all the peoples of Europe. Albert S. Lindemann approaches the history of the continent through the prism of European identity - from the sense of "natural" superiority of the 19th century to the ambiguous attempt of self-definition in the 21st century.

His original narrative, starting with the consequences of Napoleon's defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, takes the reader on a journey through modern Europe, documenting the rise of its power, wealth, imperialist tendencies, the self-destruction of the two world wars, and the tumultuous developments after the end of the Cold War.

The advantages that make Albert S. Lindemann's study extremely interesting and appealing are not only the clear and concise language, the sense of humor, and the sobriety of the author, but mainly the fresh perspective with which he reinterprets the last two centuries of European history.

Iakovos D. Michailidis
Associate Professor
Modern and Contemporary History
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki