Anton Grabner-Haider, Karl Prenner, and Klaus S. Davidowicz present the cultural history of Europe in an extensive and consistent manner. The view of cultural anthropology and of the pragmatical philosophy is chosen. The complex network of the way of life, the world of existence and the interpretation of existence in Europe in the times between 1500 and 1800 will be sharply described. The authors deal with the economical, the technical and social developments, the evolution of natural sciences and the beginning of humanistic and democratic thinking. They focus on the developments in the field of religion (reformation), on the impulses of critical philosophy (enlightenment) and on the political consequences (revolutions). The organization of reign is clearly transformed. Special interest is given to the works of literature and poetry, to the development of painting and architecture and last but not least to the oevres of musical composition in this periode. Two sections of the book focus the Jewish and the Islamic culture in Europe. The intention is to choose some new models of interpretation of this periode, so that false interpretations can be released.

Dr. theol. Dr. phil. Anton Grabner-Haider ist Professor für Religionsphilosophie an der Universität Graz.