Rating: 
Summary: A brilliant point of view
Review: {The most valuable aspect of this book is the unique and insightful perspective of the authors. Their ability to see the large world picture and draw parallels see events from different angles makes this work a thought-provoking reference.} {For instance even the horrible Spanish colonization of the America's was placed in a different light when the authors explained that the Native Americans had also been unfree under their local chiefs, and that the Inquisition was mild compared some of the cruelties of the Aztecs and Incas. The European colonization of other continents was explained as being in a continuum with other European expansions including the Crusades. The new religious attitudes brought about by the Renaissance was compared to the new religious adaptations in Confucian, Islamic, and Hindu societies. Even the five page summary of the American Civil War was in many ways more informative than entire documentaries (because of its world perspective).} {This book is also valuable for the minor things it throws in that changes one's whole point of view. It for example pointed out that there really was no such concept as "Europe" in ancient times, and it described the Roman Empire as an "experiment of civilzing the West."} {For me, the book's biggest fault is that it's called "History of the Modern World" and really only deals with European history. However, the authors make note of this at the beginning and explain their rationale. There still is precious little mention of the Ottoman Empire and other nations whom Europeans were in direct contact with.} {Others have complained that this history contains more facts than anyone would care to know, but all the facts are somewhat relevant and are part of the whole picture. It is designed so that it does not need to be read cover to cover, since there are numerous cross references and a comprehensive index. It is definitely more on the political side than the human interest side, but it contains many important underlying facts that I haven't seen in other textbooks like land transfers during revolutions and population growth rates. It is certainly a fascinating book to peruse for anyone intersted in European or World History.}
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Read for the Serious Historian
Review: I read this book to prepare for the AP European History Test and it proved quite effective. Reading this as a sophomore in high school was quite difficult, but did allow me to have a better grasp of not only European, but world history. The information is so enriched and is very useful in discussion, yet it is a heavy undertaking for the serious minded only.
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Summary: A definitive source for the college student
Review: This is a good place to go for a general precis of history. Eurocentric to be sure but the authors admit that up front and explain it as well. I am a better history student having had read it.
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Summary: Great Book on Europe
Review: I'm currently taking a European History class, and I think Palmer and Colton form one of the best textbooks ever. The political history is quite strong, and at times they use sarcasm to get theri points across. It is very dense though and can take a while to read. This makes reading and understanding quite rewarding. It is however weak only in social history.
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Summary: Finest text available
Review: Palmer's book is the densest, most informative, most effective textbook that I have ever come across. It will challenge you, and you must read it in small doses and take good notes. But when you are finished, you will have an excellent grasp of modern European history.
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Summary: Excellent supplement for serious history students.
Review: This book formed the backbone for my Modern European History class. "A History of the Modern World" is both tedious and informative. It often muddles the vital information within in a sea of trivial knowledge (trivial in the sense that this book is a primer for serious students)but at the same time it provides useful information; facts that tie the strings together. If one can accept this book for its flaws and wish to become serious history students, this is the book to start with. If you've only a casual interest in history, you'd be better off with a lighter read.
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Summary: A wonderful explanation of European History
Review: Many have stated before in their responses that it was a huge wast eof time and too technical, this book is a TEXTBOOK and is a fantastic textbook on European history in a easy-to-understand type of language. Those who aren't able to understand it are less than... average... intelligence wise. A must need book for all students AND teachers alike.
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Summary: This is the greatest book ever written in English, bar none.
Review: Palmer simply makes history come alive in this exceptional masterpiece. As a professor of European history at the Presbyterian Parochial College of the Divinity in northwestern Nova Scotia, I have run across many texts which, rather then shed any light on this fascinating subject, simply serve to deter prospective young historians from ever realizing how stimulating, nay, dare I say erotic an experience it can provide. The insight and wisdom contained in this beautiful volume will excite and bedazzle anybody thirsty for knowledge. A must read.
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Summary: The best written book on modern european history.
Review: There is no history book that can match it's factual completeness without being boring, and it's clarity of structure. An absolute classic, which, hopefully, will be with us for a long time to come.
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Summary: A great summary of modern history
Review: I know that Palmer and Colton looks intimidating, but it was well worth the read!!! After taking the AP class and reading (almost) every page of the book, I feel like I have a working knowledge of European history now. My only comment would be to keep a history summary handy. Saints P&C can get too bogged down in the details at times!
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