H.M. Scott is Professor of International History at the University of St Andrews. He is a leading authority on eighteenth century international relations. His previous books include The Emergence of the Eastern Powers 1756-1775 (2001).

• AcknowledgementsDates, Distances and Place NamesList of MapsIntroduction: Europe's Emerging Great Power System1. The European States in 17402. The War of Austrian Succession, 1740-17483. The Diplomatic Revolution and the Origins of the Seven Years War, 1748-17564. The Seven Years War 1756-17635. The Eighteenth Century International System6. The Transformation of the European System, 1763-17757. Russian Dominance in Eastern Europe, 1775-17958. The Anglo-Bourbon Struggle Overseas and in Europe, 1763-17889. Europe and the French Revolution, 1789-179710. France's Expansion in Europe 1797-180711. Napoleonic Europe 1807-1815Conclusion: The Eighteenth Century origins of the Nineteenth Century Great Power SystemChronology of Principal EventsBibliographical EssayIndex

"Scott's serene command of an enormous array of facts and remarkable skill at integrating them into a smooth, readable, and convincing narrative and analysis make the work indispensable for mature scholars and students alike."Paul W. Schroeder, Professor of History and Political Science (emeritus), University of Illinois "This happy marriage of lucid narrative and penetrating analysis has created a modern classic."Tim Blanning, Professor of Modern European History, University of Cambridge "...a clear and interesting contribution not only to work on the history of European international relations but also to the theory that this subject is best approached in terms of a system..."This is a useful book that, within its particular parameters, is the best available."Jeremy Black, The Times Higher, February 24 2006