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Europe Between the Oceans

9000 BC-AD 1000

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Europe Between the Oceans

By: Barry Cunliffe
Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
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A sensational, interdisciplinary work which entirely reorients our understanding of Europe from 10,000 BC to the time of the Vikings

In this magnificent book, distinguished archaeologist Barry Cunliffe reframes our entire conception of early European history, from prehistory through the ancient world to the medieval Viking period. Cunliffe views Europe not in terms of states and shifting political land boundaries but as a geographical niche particularly favored in facing many seas. These seas, and Europe's great transpeninsular rivers, ensured a rich diversity of natural resources while also encouraging the dynamic interaction of peoples across networks of communication and exchange. The development of these early Europeans is rooted in complex interplays, shifting balances, and geographic and demographic fluidity.

Drawing on archaeology, anthropology, and history, Cunliffe has produced an interdisciplinary tour de force. His is a bold book of exceptional scholarship, erudite and engaging, and it heralds an entirely new understanding of Old Europe.

©2008 Barry Cunliffe (P)2023 Tantor Archaeology Civilization Europe Medieval World
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It's fantastic. Aside from the relentless and unnecessary conversion of EVERY distance mentioned, from metric to imperial. It's very interesting, but this aspect of the narration grates on the nerves after the 278th unnecessary conversion. I will persevere though.

Interesting journey through European history

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Cunliffe's work of synthesis is remarkable. His georgraphic grasp is both astonishing in its specificity and in the way he ties ecology, temporality and different phases of material culture together. He is tactful on interpretative controversies, such as the extent of migration ans colonisation, and on questions of cultural symbolism and myth, where a degree of speculation and imaginative reconstruction is required. Also his occasional theoretical discussions are crisp and helpful, such as his explanation of the Annales School of French Historigraphy and their tripartite structure of time.

The narration, however, is the polar opposite. Stententious, stilted and totally mannered, as if it was trying to channel Colonel Blimp. The stiltedness gives the narration a stop/start quality that changes the account from a sweep across European geography to something that feels more like a bus that stops every couple of hundred yards. I initially didn't purchase the book because of this; but changed my mind given the status of the author and learning to be gained from the text. Please Barry Cunliffe, use another reader.

Europe Between the Oceans

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this was really good. it describes and gives reasons for the Europe we have today.

fascinating history of the people of Europe

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a great book presented by a great narrator - I've listened to it several times

one of my favourites

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I gave up on this one due to the intensely irritating narration that I simply couldn't listen to despite my heroic attempts to keep going. Chapter 5 was my breaking point and I would like my credit returned please Audible!?!

Beware...Mini Bannister would have been preferable to having to listen to this guys attempts to reproduce Barry Cunliffe's speech patterns etc. at least I think that's what he was trying to do.
A great book totally ruined by a dreadful narrator . A great gift for someone interested in the subject that you really don't like. .....

UNLISTENABLE.

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