Geremek shows how, in the Middle Ages, the term 'Europe' first came to be used to indicate a geographical place. It was only towards the end of this period that the concept of a cultural and historical entity called 'Europe' began to take shape, and the term was used more and more widely in historical and philosophical works. He argues that 'Europe' was now no longer synonymous with the word 'Christianity': it had become something more specific.

Geremek claims that, in western Europe today, the sense of belonging to European civilization is felt less strongly than in the countries of central Europe. He suggests that it is in everyone's interests to understand Europe in a wider sense, not just as a geographical concept, but as a political and cultural one too.

He discusses unity, variety and collective identity in medieval Europe, social and economic structures in East and West, and the continuity and change in European identity in the intervening centuries.

The book will be welcomed by students and researchers in medieval history, European Studies, and by anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Europe.