Book excerpt: Offering a thought provoking combination of analysis and chronological coverage, European International Relations 1648-1815 provides an up-to-date treatment of a crucial period in the development of European international relations. Jeremy Black's determined engagement with events in Eastern Europe redresses the general tendency to focus on Western Europe. In theoretical terms, there is a criticism of deterministic, structural and systemic accounts, and an explicit attempt to discuss developments in terms of the contemporary political culture. There is also a consideration of Europe's changing position in the world. European International Relations 1648-1815 draws on wide ranging archival research, presenting it in an accessible fashion, which will appeal to all students of this fascinating area.