This work draws on major research in the major European languages and provides a broad overview of the major structural changes in society that occurred during this period. Topics covered range from the price revolution and the family, to the nobility, the peasantry, popular rebellions and the development of absolutism. At every stage the importance of social changes for the evolution of political events is stressed, and one chapter deals with the political crises of the mid-17th century. While the book takes account of the major events of the period, the main emphasis of the book is on the daily lives of ordinary people. The author looks at themes such as rebellion, literacy, witchcraft, poverty and popular culture, which aims to help students understand the processes and mentality that contributed to the emergence of modern Europe.