Reviews of the first edition: "A fascinating account that is not dull and dry, but rather full of idealism, bureaucratic intrigue, personalities and political entrepreneurs, ideological struggles, and fluctuating international complexities and environments. Dinan masterfully brings these all together to provide an excellent treatment of the European Community's and later the European Union's institutional and policy development." - Peter H. Loedel, EUSA Review "A worthy addition to the still relatively few books covering the history of the European integration project. Useful as a set text for any chronologically structured course. It is also certain to become recommended background reading for anyone who wants a quick and not-too-dry introduction to the subject." - Michelle Cini, Times Higher Education Supplement "A superb, eminently readable history of the European Union...The book is a gem...a good read for those of us who know the story, and an even better one for students who do not." - Steven B. Wolinetz, International Journal "This is a very good book...Dinan's comprehensive and readable history of European integration draws on a rich array of sources, including his own extensive EU experience. Students and scholars alike will find a new insight on every page!" - Brent Nelsen, Furman University