Review Book Recommendations
REA AP European History Crash Course
(Click image to purchase)
The verdict: This book is a must purchase, as it includes the most useful content at the most affordable price.
+
Its outline format makes it easy to read in digestible chunks, as opposed to every other review book that reads like a textbook. Includes a list of key terms that always appear on exam and a list of topics you must study for the test. Concise format means less time is spent on extraneous details that larger review books focus on. The book is great at telling you only what you need to know. Small size makes it easy to carry around and study.
While this book may appear too short, it has all the necessary content to receive a "5" on the exam and is based on careful analysis of previous exams. It is also the only review book to include special sections on Women's History and Intellectual History, topics which are overlooked in other review books. This book also includes useful comparisons which are often tested in the FRQ section.
-
No practice questions in the actual book to accompany chapters. However, an online test is included with purchase. See our Resources page on how to access these questions for free.
Cracking the AP European History Exam
(Click image to purchase)
The verdict: It is worth considering the purchase of this book for its wealth of information and two practice exams.
+
This book is put out by the Princeton review, which is "brand name" in terms of review books. It has useful timelines and review questions at the end of each chapter. Includes two full practice exams with complete explanations. It's loaded with lots of information, though you won't be able to remember it all.
-
It unfortunately reads like a textbook and isn't much shorter than one, though the author attempts to be funny.
This book is not focused and does not tell you which material you really need to know for the exam; leaves you to figure that out yourself.
Barron's AP European History
(Click image to purchase)
The verdict: Consider the purchase of this book for its charts and practice exams; otherwise stick with Princeton Review.
+
The book includes useful charts summarizing information, a feature Princeton Review does not have. Each chapter has around 15-20 practice multiple choice questions (double what Princeton Review has) and 5 practice essay questions. Includes two practice exams at the end.
-
Like Princeton Review, reads like a textbook and does not tell you which material you really need to know for the exam. It includes too much information. Some of the explanations for the multiple choice questions are lacking or are simply restatements of the answer.
Viault's Modern European History
Click image to purchase)
The verdict: This book is best used to supplement coursework or quickly review certain topics.
Don't bother purchasing it when other books can help you more efficiently study for the class or AP test.
+
Its concise format and small size makes it easy to carry around. Each chapter begins with a useful timeline, and chapters are broken up into small, easy-to-read chunks.
-
This book is not specifically designed as an AP test review book, and there are no practice questions.
COMING SOON:
Kaplan AP European History