Longman Companion to the Formation of the European Empires, 1488-1920

Essential reference work for anyone interested in the Imperial history of Europe Covers a span from the early modern period to early 20th century Includes all empires, including those of Britain, France, Holland and Spain Biographical essay gives concise information about the main protaganists The European empires, as they existed from the Age of Discovery until after the First World War, shaped the modern world. So great has been their political, economic and cultural influence that to fully understand contemporary history and events, it is essential to have an understanding of the imperial past." Longman Companion to the Formation of the European Empires" is an impressive achievement. It brings together in one comprehensive volume, all the essential facts and figures relating to the process of empire-building by the European powers. All the empires are covered, including those of Britain, France, Holland and Spain and included are helpful maps, clear and reader-friendly charts and graphs. There is an extensive Bibliography which lists historical writings on empire, as well as, modern critical works. There is a glossary of unfamiliar or potentially misleading terms and there are biographical essays which give concise information about the main protagonists.

Muriel Chamberlain is at the University of Wales and is editor of The Historian.