Dive into the best AP European History audiobooks for enhanced historical understanding and exam performance.

Best audiobooks for AP European History

Embarking on the journey through the multifaceted tapestry of AP European History can be a daunting task. The sheer scale and complexity of the subject matter, from the Renaissance through the wars of the 20th century and into the contemporary era, can be overwhelming. However, the rise of the digital age and the proliferation of audiobooks offer an engaging, alternative study method that can make this journey much more accessible and enjoyable. This article introduces a carefully curated list of the best audiobooks for the AP European History course, aimed at complementing traditional study methods and making your deep-dive into centuries of cultural, political, and social transformations an engaging adventure, wherever you may be—driving, jogging, or just lounging at home.

AP European History class overview

AP European History is an in-depth and rigorous course that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of European history from the Renaissance period to the present. This class emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation of events, and understanding the broader context in which those events took place. The curriculum covers diverse areas such as cultural, economic, political, and social history and explores the development of important intellectual, cultural, and social movements.

It also delves into the interplay between individual countries and Europe as a whole. The coursework prepares students for the AP exam, where they will showcase their ability to interpret primary sources, write insightful essays, and answer multiple-choice questions based on the themes and concepts learned.

The 9 best audiobooks for AP European History

For students preparing for the AP European History exam, audiobooks can be a game-changer. It's a chance to complement your reading with an auditory tool, taking a deep dive into the complex past of the European continent, its notable figures, cultural evolutions, and pivotal events that have shaped the world as we know it today. The richness of the narratives can often make history come alive in a way that textbooks rarely can, so here are the top audiobooks for AP European History:

The Global Age: Europe 1950-2017 by Ian Kershaw

The Global Age: Europe 1950-2017 provides a detailed account of Europe's post-World War II history. Kershaw traces the significant events, transformations, and challenges that shaped modern Europe, from the Cold War era and the fall of the Soviet Union to the present day, offering a comprehensive understanding of contemporary European history.

Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie

Robert K. Massie's Peter the Great: His Life and World is a thorough biography of the Russian tsar who brought about a significant transformation in Russia, pushing it towards modernization and making it a major European power. Massie explores the tsar's reforms, foreign policies, and personal life, offering readers an intimate understanding of this pivotal figure in European history.

Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice Millard

Candice Millard's Hero of the Empire illuminates a less-explored period in Winston Churchill's life—his time as a young soldier and journalist during the Boer War. Millard's account of Churchill's daring escape and eventual rise to power provides a unique perspective on the man who would become a significant leader in 20th-century Europe.

Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia by Peter Pomerantsev

In Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, Peter Pomerantsev delves into the complexities and contradictions of post-Soviet Russia. Pomerantsev's account, filled with stories of oligarchs, subcultures, propaganda producers, and ordinary Russian citizens, paints a vivid picture of a society in flux, helping students understand Russia's role in contemporary European history.

Napoleon the Great by Andrew Roberts

Napoleon the Great is a comprehensive biography of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most influential figures in European history. Roberts examines Napoleon's political and military successes, his personal life, and his lasting impact on France and Europe, providing an invaluable resource for students studying the Napoleonic era and the French Revolution.

The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

Barbara W. Tuchman's The Guns of August is a gripping account of the first month of World War I. Tuchman presents an in-depth analysis of the early stages of the war, examining the complex alliances, strategies, political maneuverings, and blunders that set the stage for one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

Escape from Rome: The Failure of Empire and the Road to Prosperity by Walter Scheidel

Walter Scheidel's Escape from Rome examines the historical implications of the fall of the Roman Empire on European development and long-pasting impact. Scheidel argues that the fragmentation of political systems of the Middle Ages following Rome's collapse laid the groundwork for Europe's later economic prosperity and democratic advancements.

Stalin's War: A New History of World War II by Sean McMeekin

Stalin's War: A New History of World War II focuses on a fresh perspective on World War II, focusing on the pivotal role of Stalin and the Soviet Union. McMeekin reveals how Stalin's maneuvers and decisions shaped the course of the war and the post-war world, providing invaluable insights for students studying 20th-century European history.

African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otele

Olivette Otele's African Europeans: An Untold History uncovers the long history and contributions of Africans in Europe, highlighting their significant contributions to European society and culture. Otele's book challenges traditional narratives of European history, broadening our understanding of Europe's multicultural past.

How Speechify can help AP students with coursework

Speechify is a cutting-edge tool that can convert any physical or digital text into audio, enhancing the learning experience for AP students. Whether it's study guides, review books, web pages, or practice tests, Speechify can transform study materials into audio files, allowing students to study flexibly and efficiently.

By using Speechify, students can study at their own pace, reviewing material from different periods of European history, practicing multiple-choice and essay questions, and even tackling document-based questions, all while enjoying the content read aloud by one of over 200+ lifelike AI narrators. As a result, students can maximize their test preparation, gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and ultimately succeed in their AP European History exam. Try Speechify for free today and see how it can level up your AP studying game.

FAQ

What are the best AP European History resources?

The best AP European History resources typically include Barron's AP European History and AP European History Crash Course for comprehensive review and practice.

What are the best AP European History prep books?

Barron's AP European History and The Princeton Review: Cracking the AP European History Exam are widely considered among the best prep books for comprehensive review and practice for the AP European History exam.

Is AP Euro or AP English more difficult?

The difficulty between AP Euro and AP English largely depends on individual skills and interests, as one focuses on historical analysis and the other on language and literary analysis.

Why are audiobooks better than podcasts?

Audiobooks often provide a more comprehensive, systematic exploration of a topic, making them better for in-depth learning compared to the episodic, conversational nature of podcasts.

What are the best audiobooks for European History prep?

The best audiobooks for European History prep might include A History of Europe in the Modern World and The Western Heritage.

Is AP World History or AP European History more difficult?

The difficulty between AP World History and AP European History can vary based on personal strengths, but AP World History often covers a broader content area, making it potentially more challenging.

How should I study for the AP test?

Studying for the AP test should involve a combination of reviewing key concepts, practicing with past exam questions, and understanding the format and scoring of the exam.

Are practice questions or practice exams better?

Both practice questions and practice exams are beneficial - questions for understanding specific topics, and full-length practice tests for time management and familiarization with the test format.