There can be few more exciting or frightening moments in European history than the spring of 1848. Some rulers gave up at once, others fought bitterly, but everywhere new politicians, beliefs and expectations surged forward. The role of women in society, the end of slavery, the right to work and national independence all became live issues, and a new and very different Europe emerged. From the author of 'The Sleepwalkers' and 'Prisoners of Time'.