This study of European international politics covers from 1763 to 1848. It charts the course of international history over this turbulent period, in which the map of Europe was redrawn time and again. It examines the wars, political crises, and diplomatic opportunities of the age, many of which had far-reaching consequences for modern Europe. elegantly written ... What makes this volume so admirable and persuasive is that it is both based on the deepest imaginable reading, including study in archives, and also embodies the results of remorseless thinking about every twist and turn of international affairs, and much else, thoughout this complicated period. Schroeder takes no established opinion for granted. He probes incessantly the motives of all concerned. What he has to say about every one of the numerous crises and incidents he discusses is at once learned and profound, penetrating and decisive, always fresh and often brilliantly original. It is certainly a provocative book ... exceptionally accurate, superbly planned and splendidly written ... It is a genuinely great book.