This book covers the modern history of Europe, from the end of World War II to the present day. It offers a precise and vivid overview of the main stages of this history: the results of the war, the split between West and East, the course toward unification, the creation and successes of the EU, and the crises of the 21st century. The author was a direct witness to or an active participant in most of the important events of the last fifty years and is closely acquainted with key figures in world history: Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, John Paul II, Lech Walesa, Vaclav Havel, Helmut Kohl, and George W. Bush—to name just a few.