'Mak is the history teacher everyone should have had' Financial Times How did the great
European dream turn sour? And where do we go from here? From the author of the internationally
acclaimed In Europe a stunning history of our present examining the first two decades of this
most fragile and fraught new millennium. The great European project was built out of a common
desire for peace prosperity and freedom a wish for a united Europe striving towards a common
goal. The EU was to set an example: an arena for close cooperation tackling crucial shared
concerns from climate change to organized crime promoting open borders and social security.
But the first two turbulent decades of this century have been times of rapid and profound
change. From the shores of Lampedusa to Putin's Moscow the continent threatens to tear itself
apart. What's happened to Europe's optimism and euphoria? How has it given way to nostalgia
frustration and fear the fragile European dream in danger of turning into a nightmare? In The
Dream of Europe Geert Mak one of Europe's best-loved commentators charts the seismic events
that have shaped people's lives over the past twenty years. Mak's monumental book In Europe
defined the continent on the verge of a new millennium. The Dream of Europe brings us up to the
present day through the rocky expansion of the EU the aftermath of 9 11 and terrorist attacks
across Europe the 2008 financial crash and the euro crisis the tragedy of the migrant crisis
in the Mediterranean the rise of right-wing populism and Brexit. Like no other Mak blends
history politics and culture with the stories and experiences of the many Europeans he meets
on his travels. He brings this continent to life and asks what role does Europe play now and
how might we face our challenges together in the spirit of solidarity and connection. 'A
powerful humane and serious mind' Guardian 'Mak is a truly cosmopolitan chronicler'
Independent Praise for In Europe: 'Fascinating... a splendidly panoramic picture of our common
European home' Literary Review 'Every page sparkles with insight' Herald 'Spectacular and
beautifully crafted' Sunday Times
