The purpose of this volume is to present some milestones of the 20th century in an accessible way from the perspective of the Western person.

This concise collection of topics inevitably leaves out many other significant events and phenomena. The omissions can be found by the reader in comprehensive historical works, such as Norman Davies' Europe, or Tony Judt's Postwar. A History of Europe since 1945.

Cultural phenomena do not always synchronize with political and economic history, and for this reason, they have been placed in separate chapters after the end of each period.

The selection of testimonies and creators featured in this volume reflects the author's preferences. The 21st century appears with the baggage of the events of its first seven years and the prospects they imply.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]