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Title: Start somewhere else.
Review: If you are interested in a general survey of European history during this period, which is ironically what this book purports to be, I'd suggest starting somewhere else. This book is complementary to an already working knowledge of these years in Europe but as the initial exposure to it will frustrate anyone. Roberts describes some events in insightful detail but then makes passing reference to others I consider major ones without explanation, as if assuming the reader already knows about them. He does this with annoying regularity. If you are looking to fill in the cracks of your knowledge on this subject, this may be the book for you. Otherwise find a genuine survey on the subject and build some depth first.
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