Unlike most existing textbooks on the economic history of modern Europe, which offer a country-by-country approach, The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Europe rethinks Europe's economic history since 1700 as unified and pan-European, with the material organised by topic rather than by country. This first volume is centred on the transition to modern economic growth, which first occurred in Britain before spreading to other parts of western Europe by 1870. Each chapter is written by an international team of authors who cover the three major regions of northern Europe, southern Europe, and central and eastern Europe. The volume covers the major themes of modern economic history, including trade; urbanization; aggregate economic growth; the major sectors of agriculture, industry and services; and the development of living standards, including the distribution of income. The quantitative approach makes use of modern economic analysis in a way that is easy for students to understand.

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2011

'The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Europe shows the power of economics to illuminate history. It adopts a continental standpoint that emphasizes the dominant patterns of European development as well as providing a comparative context that highlights national differences. The volume synthesizes the research of historical economists and growth theorists. The combination leads to a more profound understanding of the causes of economic success and failure than was previously available. This seriously good book is the first thing to read if you want to understand the economic history of Europe.'

Robert C. Allen - University of Oxford, and Fellow of Nuffield College

‘The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Europe is well launched by this collective tour de force. This compendium is modern both in its subject matter and in its thoroughly up-to-date scholarship. The contributing authors have succeeded in distilling an often technical literature into an undergraduate-friendly interpretive synthesis.’

Peter H. Lindert - University of California, Davis