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History of the World: Earliest Times to the Present Day
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912 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
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115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 5, 2017
This is not a book you label "read"after you finish reading it because it is as much a general interest book as it is a reference material on the history of the world. Given this book is general interest reading for me in light of the fact that I am not a historian nor training to be a historian, I suspect I probably will not finish this book until sometime between the ages of 70 and 80; that is, anywhere from 26 years in the future.
I have read the first four chapters of this book. Based on my reading this is a great book for anyone seeking to place biblical history in context. The book strikes a good balance between detail, interesting anecdotes that arise within the context of events, and the detailing of historical events. The writing is agnostic as opposed to religious or atheistic - an attribute that to a large extent encourages readers to form personal opinions or interpretations of historical events. I plan to continue to read this book.
I have read the first four chapters of this book. Based on my reading this is a great book for anyone seeking to place biblical history in context. The book strikes a good balance between detail, interesting anecdotes that arise within the context of events, and the detailing of historical events. The writing is agnostic as opposed to religious or atheistic - an attribute that to a large extent encourages readers to form personal opinions or interpretations of historical events. I plan to continue to read this book.
June 25, 2019
Amazing and in depth history of the world. Every time if find something interesting from history, I check what great John Whitney Hall had to say about it. A must book for your library, if your interested in history. This and "the Colour Of Time" (Amaral/Jones) are my favorite history books of all time.
April 21, 2023
History of the World presents an ambitious, sweeping narrative that seeks to encapsulate the rich tapestry of human history from its beginnings to the present day. This comprehensive work, written in an accessible style, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the myriad forces and events that have shaped our world.
The book covers an extensive range of historical periods and geographical locations, providing readers with a truly global perspective on human history. The author demonstrates a remarkable ability to synthesize complex information, presenting it in a clear and engaging manner. This clarity makes the book accessible to a wide audience, from history enthusiasts to casual readers.
However, the breadth of the book's subject matter necessitates covering certain topics and events briefly or omitted altogether. While some readers may find this approach frustrating, it should be noted that the book's primary strength lies in its ability to provide a cohesive and overarching narrative of human history rather than a detailed examination of specific events or periods.
The book's visual presentation is another noteworthy aspect. The use of maps, photographs, and illustrations enhances the text and provides additional context for the events and periods discussed. Although the visuals are an asset to the book, they may not be as comprehensive or detailed as those found in more specialized historical works or atlases.
It's a commendable work that successfully balances the challenge of presenting a comprehensive global history in an accessible format. That makes it a solid choice for readers interested in expanding their understanding of world history.
I find it unlikely that anyone would ever read this book end to end, but it's nice to have it as a reference to pick up and read a section of every once in a while.
The book covers an extensive range of historical periods and geographical locations, providing readers with a truly global perspective on human history. The author demonstrates a remarkable ability to synthesize complex information, presenting it in a clear and engaging manner. This clarity makes the book accessible to a wide audience, from history enthusiasts to casual readers.
However, the breadth of the book's subject matter necessitates covering certain topics and events briefly or omitted altogether. While some readers may find this approach frustrating, it should be noted that the book's primary strength lies in its ability to provide a cohesive and overarching narrative of human history rather than a detailed examination of specific events or periods.
The book's visual presentation is another noteworthy aspect. The use of maps, photographs, and illustrations enhances the text and provides additional context for the events and periods discussed. Although the visuals are an asset to the book, they may not be as comprehensive or detailed as those found in more specialized historical works or atlases.
It's a commendable work that successfully balances the challenge of presenting a comprehensive global history in an accessible format. That makes it a solid choice for readers interested in expanding their understanding of world history.
I find it unlikely that anyone would ever read this book end to end, but it's nice to have it as a reference to pick up and read a section of every once in a while.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews