Rick Steves' Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler

Art is a narrative of history; Rick Steves has championed the narration of history through art in this very readable tome.As a non-westerner and non-Christian, I was somewhat familiar with Christian themes and Graeco-Roman figures (both real and mythological) but it was all a big jumble; Rick created order within that topsy-turvy chronology.The book is very readable, and makes you quirk your lips quite a few times. Although read post-travel, (after my travels to Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece) the accounts were engaging, and they made me relive my memories.The only notable Muslim mention is the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, which is a fourteenth century palace. Given that Spain downplays, and even excises Muslim history from it's official narrative, I suppose Steve's stance is understandable. Otherwise the European Dark ages, which he classifies as AD 500-1000, are the glory days of Spain, which brought advanced surgery, advanced astronomy, agricultural revolution, end of serfdom, musical instruments such as the lute, three course meals, modern hospitals, Arabic numerals, Algebra, Chemistry, schools, libraries, translations of Aristotle & Co., coffee, town planning and the wonder of wonders, the Arabian Nights to Europe. All this happened from 761-1050 AD.Overall, this is a five-star book! I vicariously enjoyed Parisian travel through it, and also relived beautiful memories of Mediterranean Europe through it. It was humbling to think that I had been to such monumental sights.

Thank you, this was in excellent condition.

History books in general can be a bit dry and boring, but this was a great read! I've been a fan of Rick Steves travel books and his television program for quite a while and his personality definitely comes through in this book. It does a great job of covering a wide range of European history at a high level. If you're looking for intense detail about Alexander the Great, for instance, this probably wont be what your looking for. This book is best used as a helpful historical guide for people who love to travel. Various site's, buildings, art pieces, etc. are given extra meaning and historical significance in this travel/historical guide. Overall, this is great read to gain basic historical knowledge for those of us that love to travel and learn about the places we visit.

I'm not even done with the book but it's really enjoyable. I bought another one for my husband so we can enjoy Europe together and not be mind-numbing bored at the museums (he really likes it too). They give you a nice synopsis of the history through the European ages without being too wordy or boring. They add quite a few jokes throughout which are hilarious, e.g. re. Caligula, an evil Roman emperor, they discuss his evil deeds along the lines of raping, incest, wanting to be treated like a god, all while parking his chariot in handicapped spaces. If you're a history buff who likes long reads and lots of details, don't get this book. But if you're planning a trip to Europe and want to understand the background of the art, museums, statues, architecture, cathedrals, etc. in one book, I highly recommend it. Nice glossy pages with lots of pictures too.

Perfect for those who want the essential of history and art history in a light but captivating style, rather than the heavier, more detailed or academic formats. Great, unassuming, colloquial, engaging writing, with right dose of humour. Could not be happier with the purchase.

Heading to Europe this summer and decided I wanted a refresher on European history without digging out the old college text books. This is a good high level review that touches on the key time periods of European history. If you want something in depth, look elsewhere, if you have never read one of Rick Steves' books be forewarned, he does lace the book with his personal comments on everything from politics to society. There really isn't anything wrong with that but if you're expecting a text book style history book, this isn't it. For the casual traveler and those that just want a refresher, this is it.

If your looking for a quick orientation history of Europe, this book will do the trick. Just as Rick explains in the book's intro and description, it is oriented towards the traveler. I read this before a three week tour of Europe and am so glad I did- it gave me a working knowledge of the basics of European history, providing a framework in which to understand the significance and history of what I was seeing on my tour. Well written, with just enough humor to keep it interesting. I would recommend it to anyone looking to brush up on their European history! It does fizzle out at the end, particularly the second half of the 20th century. The last chapter, on Europe today, isn't worth reading. But the rest of the book is EXCELLENT!

Very good short guide to European history and culture for the American traveler. Some of his comments on the Catholic Church are worn. For example, "the Church kept books locked up so people couldn't read them". In the Middle Ages, few people were educated and able to read, and those who were educated were educated by Church schools. The reason books were kept locked up was that it took a monk months if not years to copy one by hand, they were made on expensive parchment, with artistic decorations in ink made from gold and precious stones. The books were locked up so they wouldn't be stolen!

Très bon livre à lire si vous êtes pasionné des arts et l’italie. Un sens de l’humour est aussi requis puisque Rick Steve truffe ses pages de petites blagues et de sarcasme.

It packs the 2000 years of European history and art development in one sweet book. It's simplified and gives you enough gist to appreciate our sight seeings in Europe.

Gem of a book. Lucid writing. Never enjoyed such a way reading a art/history book before.

I enjoyed the way Rick Steves wrote the book and the subject matter he covered. I have been to Europe 5 times and he explains many ideas that are often referred to as you tour different buildings and museums. Very helpful.

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