"In the year 1800, the world suddenly found itself enmeshed in a web or mercantilism, war, and political intrigue, out of which a new world - our world - was struggling to be born. In this narrative historian Olivier Bernier provides us with a chronicle of that time, taking us on a journey around the world, providing a portrait of civilization at the dawn of the modern era.".

"Bernier takes us inside the courts and parliaments of the major powers to listen in on the political discourse of the day. He leads us into the boudoirs and ballrooms of the rich, the cramped homes of the middle class, and the hovels of the poor to provide as intimate glimpse of the private lives of the first modern men and women.

And he explores the seminal works of such masters as Beethoven, Goethe, David, and Hokusai to shed new light on the revolutionary trends that were taking shape in the arts, architecture, science, and philosophy." "The World in 1800 is an irresistible read for scholars and history buffs alike."--BOOK JACKET.