This volume investigates the foundational development of European civilization from its ancient origins through the conclusion of the Middle Ages. Herbert Albert Laurens Fisher, a distinguished historian and educator, utilizes a comprehensive narrative approach to synthesize the complex political, social, and cultural shifts that defined the continent during these formative centuries. The work serves as the first installment of a broader historical survey, establishing the structural framework for understanding the emergence of European identity.

Fisher's work is regarded as a classic, sweeping narrative that prioritizes broad historical synthesis over narrow academic specialization. The text remains a significant reference for readers seeking a traditional, comprehensive overview of the foundational eras of European history.