This text re-examines the traditional acceptance of such historical ideas as classical heritage, medieval Christendom, reformation and counter-reformation, absolutism and the idea of progress. It claims that the identifying marks of Europe are its dissidence, rebellion and variety.

This book turns the received wisdom of European history inside out. From discussions of the Gothic, Hun and Vandal invasions and the fall of the Roman Empire, through other great events and issues of European history, Josep Fontana re-examines the traditional acceptance of such ideas as classical heritage, medieval Christendom, reformation and counter-reformation, absolutism, and the idea of progress. At the same time he draws attention to the existence and validity of dissidence, rebellion and variety which are, for him, identifying marks of Europe.