Questions About The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

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Answered Questions (8)

What about his view that the real rivals of WW I were the Russians versus the British?

Jenn Yes this was a new hypothesis to me too. Yet the way he explained it made sense, and certainly explained why the whole pack of cards came collapsing d…moreYes this was a new hypothesis to me too. Yet the way he explained it made sense, and certainly explained why the whole pack of cards came collapsing down upon the assassination of the Archduke. It is something that would be worth exploring more. `Sleepwalkers' seems to be the authoritative text on the subject if you are interested - I started reading it then my kindle packed up!(less)

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Thinking about reading this book. Have you found it to be biased to western civilization?

Brian The West plays a fairly major role in the story he's telling - and it dominates the latter half of the book. But the author does present the actions o…moreThe West plays a fairly major role in the story he's telling - and it dominates the latter half of the book. But the author does present the actions of the West objectively, and he isn't shy at highlighting the fact that the actions of the West have led to the predicaments it now finds itself facing. It's an illuminating read. (less)

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Does this book contain anything about Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)?

Hoang Chuong It does but not to much. Just mentioned Ceylon as a disputed area between the England, Dutch and Portuguese empires at different times in history.

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How could've Baghdad possibly have 100 million citizens in the 10th century? Is this a typo? This Guardian review mentions it as well: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/nov/06/silk-roads-peter-frankopan-review

LuminitaA I believe it was pointed out as an example of overstatement by some historical sources.

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Is this book written in easily accessible language or is it a really tough read?

Wouter The book has accessible language (CEFR C1), though gets a bit tedious in the final part about Iran and Afghanistan.

Chapters have around 20 pages and F…moreThe book has accessible language (CEFR C1), though gets a bit tedious in the final part about Iran and Afghanistan.

Chapters have around 20 pages and Frankopan adds some flavour from time to time by using modern day expression on old events like "posterboy" Behemond fighting in the first Crusade.(less)

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