Originally published in 1931 and as a fifth edition in 1952, this book became a classic survey of European history which focusses on the pan-European features and tendencies of the Middle Ages. The book also looks beyond Europe at the history of Islam and the conquest and discoveries of the European powers in the New World in relation to European affairs.

A. J. Grant (1862-1948) was Professor of History at the University of Leeds and Professor of Modern History at the University of Cairo.