Book excerpt: Essential reference to anyone interested in Europe during the early modern period! Chronologies outline 300 years of European history. Charts the course of major conflicts of the period. Provides mini-biographies of leading personalities. "The Longman Handbook of Early Modern Europe" covers Europe from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the treaty of Paris in 1763. Embracing all the major aspects of European political, social, economic and cultural history during the period, it reflects the enormous changes that transformed Europe over three centuries. Key themes include the Reformation, Imperial Spain, the Revolt of the Netherlands, the Thirty Years War and the Enlightenment, with a detailed examination of European expansion overseas. It offers chronologies that outline 300 years of European history and chart the course of major conflicts of the period, mini-biographies of leading personalities and bibliographical essay that guides the reader through the literature. "The Longman Handbook of Early Modern Europe" is the essential companion to Europe during the early modern period - a user-friendly compendium of key facts and figures. Chris Cook is formerly of the London School of Economics. Dr. Philip Broadhead Philip is at the University of London.