The reader will move through Vienna from its inception to 1938, observing Western Europe from within this ancient city. Where did historic rivalries among European nations begin? How did the Enlightenment affect Europe & the United States? What persistent darkness allowed Hitler to lead the world into a second devastating world war? And what will it take for today's European Union to survive? The author answers these questions with fascinating details about what it was really like to live in Vienna from the first century through the days of hyper-inflation after World War I. The book radiates hope, even as it details formidable economic & political obstacles to European unity. Readers will benefit from Hilton's passionate & contagious interest in his subject & recognize that he is writing not only about Europe but about humanity.
