Our new 60-minute masterclasses are designed to help you challenge, inspect and understand the world around you. Each class will feature a respected expert or thought-leader from the realm of science, politics, culture, history, academia or business, each poised to share sharp and concise insights with you.

In this masterclass with the bestselling author and journalist Simon Jenkins, you will be taken on a whistlestop tour through Europe’s history. Touchpoints will include the political twists and turns of Greece and Rome, cultural revolutions led by the likes of Shakespeare and Picasso, and many conflicts - from the French Revolution, two world wars, and up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With Simon’s expert knowledge, visuals and ongoing Q&A, discover how Europe evolved through many fundamental changes, iterations and periods of instability to become the dominantly successful force that it is today.

Tutor profile

Simon Jenkins is a journalist and author. He writes weekly for the Guardian and has worked on the Economist and Sunday Times, and edited the Evening Standard and The Times. His books include works on architecture, the press and British politics. His bestsellers include a study of Thatcherism and short histories of London, England, Europe and, forthcoming, a ‘sceptical history’ of the Celts.

Course Details

Date: Wednesday 24 May 2023
Time: 1pm-2pm BST

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

1pm BST | 2pm CEST | 5am PDT | 8am EDT

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

We aim to make all Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

60-minute masterclass: A short history of Europe with Simon Jenkins