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A Critical Analysis of "A Short History of the World" and its Impact on Current Trends
Author: This analysis is authored by [Your Name/Pen Name], a historian specializing in 20th and 21st-century global history and the impact of historical narratives on contemporary society. [Optional: Add your credentials, e.g., PhD in History, University affiliation].
Keyword: A Short History of the World
Introduction: J.M. Roberts’ A Short History of the World, first published in 1993, remains a remarkably influential work. This analysis will examine its impact on current trends by considering its strengths and weaknesses, its inherent biases, and its lasting legacy in shaping public understanding of global history. While undeniably “short,” the book’s ambition – to encapsulate millennia of human experience in a single volume – necessitates certain simplifications and generalizations that warrant critical scrutiny. Understanding these limitations is crucial to appreciating both the book's enduring appeal and its potential to mislead.
H1: Roberts' Approach and its Strengths:
J.M. Roberts, a renowned historian with extensive experience writing and editing historical works, crafted A Short History of the World as a concise yet comprehensive overview. Its strength lies in its accessibility. Unlike many academic histories, Roberts’ writing style is engaging and clear, making complex historical processes digestible for a wide audience. The book’s chronological structure allows readers to follow the flow of global events, fostering a sense of historical continuity. This accessibility has undoubtedly contributed to its immense popularity and widespread influence. The book cleverly weaves together political, social, and economic developments, offering a holistic perspective often lacking in more specialized historical accounts. The inclusion of diverse geographical regions and cultures also helps to counteract Eurocentric biases prevalent in earlier historical narratives.
H2: Critiques and Limitations of "A Short History of the World":
Despite its merits, A Short History of the World is not without its limitations. The very nature of condensing millennia of history into a single volume necessitates considerable simplification. Nuances and complexities are often sacrificed for brevity, potentially leading to overgeneralizations and a simplified understanding of historical processes. Critics have pointed out a certain Eurocentric bias, despite Roberts’ attempts to incorporate non-Western perspectives. The emphasis on political and military history, while understandable in a work of this scope, can overshadow other equally important aspects of human experience, such as social and cultural developments. Furthermore, the book’s publication date impacts its perspective. Events that have unfolded since 1993, such as the rise of the internet, globalization's accelerating pace, and the significant geopolitical shifts of the 21st century, are not fully integrated into the narrative. This makes A Short History of the World a snapshot of a particular historical moment, rather than a complete and perpetually updated account.
H3: Impact on Current Trends and Public Understanding of History:
Despite these limitations, A Short History of the World has had a significant impact on current trends in historical understanding. Its accessibility has made global history more accessible to a wider audience, fostering greater historical awareness among the general public. This increased awareness is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world where understanding historical contexts is vital to navigating current events. However, the book’s potential for oversimplification also highlights the ongoing need for critical engagement with historical narratives. The popularity of A Short History of the World demonstrates the public’s desire for concise and engaging historical overviews, but it also underscores the importance of seeking out more detailed and nuanced accounts to gain a complete understanding of any particular historical period or event. The book's influence is demonstrably evident in the proliferation of similar “short histories” on various topics – a trend illustrating both the demand for accessible history and the inherent challenges of such ambitious projects.
H4: The Enduring Legacy of "A Short History of the World":
A Short History of the World continues to serve as a valuable introduction to global history. While not a definitive or exhaustive account, it provides a useful framework for understanding the long sweep of human history. Its enduring popularity suggests that its accessible style and broad scope continue to resonate with readers seeking an overview of the past. However, its impact should be understood within the context of its limitations. Readers should approach it as a starting point for further exploration, rather than a final word on the subject. The book’s success emphasizes the need for historians to find ways to make complex historical narratives accessible to a broader audience, while remaining mindful of the risks of simplification and potential biases.
Conclusion:
J.M. Roberts’ A Short History of the World occupies a unique place in the landscape of historical writing. Its accessibility and broad scope have contributed significantly to increased public awareness of global history. However, its inherent limitations – simplification, potential biases, and a now dated perspective – necessitate critical engagement. The book serves as a valuable starting point for understanding the complexities of the past, but it should be supplemented with more detailed and specialized studies to gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of specific historical periods and events. Its continuing popularity speaks to the enduring human desire to comprehend our past and its profound influence on the present.
Publisher: Penguin Books. Penguin Books is a highly reputable publisher with a long and established history of publishing high-quality works of non-fiction, including many influential historical texts. Their credibility in the industry is unquestioned.
Editor: [Information regarding the editor is often not readily available for older publications. If information can be found, include it here].
FAQs:
1. Is "A Short History of the World" suitable for beginners? Yes, its accessible style makes it ideal for those new to global history.
2. What are the main criticisms of the book? Simplification, potential Eurocentric bias, and a perspective limited by its publication date.
3. Does the book cover all aspects of history equally? No, it prioritizes political and military history.
4. Is "A Short History of the World" still relevant today? Yes, it provides a valuable framework, though needing supplementation with more recent events.
5. Are there any alternative books that offer a similar overview? Yes, many "short histories" exist, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
6. What makes Roberts' approach unique? His clear and engaging writing style, aiming for accessibility without sacrificing rigor.
7. How has the book impacted historical education? It has contributed to a greater awareness of global history among the general public.
8. What are the limitations of a "short history" approach? Inevitably, details and nuances are sacrificed for brevity.
9. Should "A Short History of the World" be the only book one reads on global history? No, it's a starting point for further, more in-depth study.
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| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H.G. Wells, 1996 The Book A Short History Of The World Is Written In A Simple And Straightforward Style And Can Be Read Almost As A Novel Is Read. It Provides An Excellent Introduction For The Students Before They Embark Upon A Study Of The Detailed History Of The World. From It The Reader Is Able Is To Get That General View Of History Which Is So Necessary A Framework For The Study Of A Particular Period Or The History Of A Particular Country.In The Book H.G. Wells Takes The Reader In Easy Stages From The Origin Of The Earth To The Outcome Of The First World War. The Book Combines Admirable Skill In The Compression Of Material And Extraction Of What Matters, With A Sense Of Moral Purpose And Is Evidence Of The Creative Genius Of Wells.Wells Departs From The Traditional Historical Approach By Paying Greater Attention To Developments In Science And Culture Than To Royalties And Religion. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World Geoffrey Blainey, 2003-03-08 A superb history of the world's people during the last four million years, beginning before the human race moved out of Africa to explore and settle the other continents. Mr. Blainey explores the development of technology and skills, the rise of major religions, and the role of geography, considering both the larger patterns and the individual nature of history. A delightful read, gracefully written, and full of odd and interesting pieces of information as well as thoughtful comparisons that span both time and space. —William L. O'Neill |
| a short history of the world: Reflections on the History of Art Ernst Hans Gombrich, 1987-01-01 Essays discuss Greek and Chineese art, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dutch genre painting, Rubens, Rembrandt, art collecting, museums, and Freud's aesthetics |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World John Morris Roberts, 1997 Chronologically discusses the events of history beginning with the evolution of man and ending with the restructuring of Western Europe in 1993. |
| a short history of the world: A Very Short History of the World Geoffrey Blainey, 2013 Following the success of his A Short History of the World, eminent historian Geoffrey Blainey abridged his account of the grand adventure of human history to create an even more accessible version of his absorbing work. A Short History of the World traces the story of the world's people during the last four million years, beginning before the human race moved out of Africa to explore and settle other continents. A consummate storyteller, Professor Blainey makes the past come alive as he touches on the trivial and the grand: everything changes in diet to profound discoveries and mighty empires. This updated edition of Blainey's work contains engrossing summaries about global terrorism, the rise of China and how technology is reshaping our lives. 'Our most distinguished historian.' Weekend Australian |
| a short history of the world: A Little History of the World E. H. Gombrich, 2014-10-01 E. H. Gombrich's Little History of the World, though written in 1935, has become one of the treasures of historical writing since its first publication in English in 2005. The Yale edition alone has now sold over half a million copies, and the book is available worldwide in almost thirty languages. Gombrich was of course the best-known art historian of his time, and his text suggests illustrations on every page. This illustrated edition of the Little History brings together the pellucid humanity of his narrative with the images that may well have been in his mind's eye as he wrote the book. The two hundred illustrations—most of them in full color—are not simple embellishments, though they are beautiful. They emerge from the text, enrich the author's intention, and deepen the pleasure of reading this remarkable work. For this edition the text is reset in a spacious format, flowing around illustrations that range from paintings to line drawings, emblems, motifs, and symbols. The book incorporates freshly drawn maps, a revised preface, and a new index. Blending high-grade design, fine paper, and classic binding, this is both a sumptuous gift book and an enhanced edition of a timeless account of human history. |
| a short history of the world: Short History of the World Ruth Brocklehurst, Ruth Brook H. Brocklehurst, 2018 Friends, Romans, citizens of the world - do you want to take a fast-paced trip through time? All of human history is here, from hunter-gatherers in the Ice Age to technological innovators in modern times. With bitesize narrative accounts, lively illustrations, timelines, maps and links to specially selected websites to bring history alive. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H G Wells, 2021-03-06 Description: The story of our world is a story that is still very imperfectly known. From the very beginnings of life, spanning across the age of mammals evolving into monkeys, apes and sub-men; from the Neanderthaler to the early days of human adventure; from the beginnings of cultivations to priests, sages, kings and wars; and from the conquests to material knowledge, revolutions and reconstruction of the world.. here is a story of how life began and evolved into 'us.' A comprehensive and compelling account of the world history, H. G. Wells' a Short History of the World is a thought-provoking masterpiece. Constructed on an evolutionary, anthropological and sociological basis, it is an immensely popular period piece that remains one of the most readable of its kind. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World in 50 Books Daniel Smith, 2022-07-21 Discover the power of the book through fifty of the most influential texts ever written - from around the world and throughout time. Books that truly did have a significant impact on world history. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World According to Sheep Sally Coulthard, 2020-08-06 'This book deserves a place in your bookcase next to Harari's Sapiens. It's every bit as fascinating and is surely destined to be just as successful' Julian Norton From the plains of ancient Mesopotamia to the vast sheep farms of modern-day Australia, sheep have been central to the human story. Since our our Neolithic ancestors' first forays into sheep-rearing nearly 11,000 years ago, these remarkable animals have fed us, clothed us, changed our diet and language and financed the conquest of large swathes of the earth. Sally Coulthard weaves this fascinating story into a vivid and colourful tapestry of engaging anecdotes and extraordinary ovine facts, whose multiple strands celebrate just how pivotal these woolly animals are to almost every aspect of human society and culture. This title was published also in the United States under the title Follow the Flock. 'A snappy, stimulating book, and certainly not just for shepherds' Mail on Sunday 'Full of fascinating social history' Independent 'You won't look at a sheep in the same way again' Country Living |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World Alex Woolf, 2008 The Story of Mankind From Prehistory to the Modern Day. A clearly written, entertaining and accessible history that will appeal to a wide audience, in a successful and user-friendly format that allows for both in-depth reading and quick reference. Each double-page spread covers a different topic, making it easy to delve into and read whatever inspires your interest. 250 illustrations and photographs bring the history to life, and timelines provide at-a-glance chronological reference and are a handy addition to the text. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H. G. Wells, 2015-06-02 Excerpt from A Short History of the World This Short History of The World is meant to be read straightforwardly almost as a novel is read. It gives in the most general way an account of our present knowledge of history, shorn of elaborations and complications. It has been amply illustrated and everything has been done to make it vivid and clear. From it the reader should be able to get that general view of history which is so necessary a framework for the study of a particular period or the history of a particular country. It may be found useful as a preparatory excursion before the reading of the author's much fuller and more explicit Outline of History is undertaken. But its especial end is to meet the needs of the busy general reader, too driven to study the maps and time charts of that Outline in detail, who wishes to refresh and repair his faded or fragmentary conceptions of the great adventure of mankind. It is not an abstract or condensation of that former work. Within its aim the Outline admits of no further condensation. This is a much generalized History, planned and written afresh. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World Herbert G. Wells, 1930 |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World's Shipping Industry C. Ernest Fayle, 2006 First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World in 50 Animals Jacob F. Field, 2021-07-08 Discover the most impactful and incredible episodes from history, from the prehistoric era to the present day, told through the story of fifty of the most influential animals of the world. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World (Classic Reprint) H. G. Wells, 2017-09-17 Excerpt from A Short History of the World This short history OF the world is meant to be read straight forwardly almost as a novel is read. It gives in the most general way an account of our present knowledge of history, shorn of elabora tions and complications. It has been amply illustrated and every thing has been done to make it vivid and clear. From it the reader should be able to get that general View of history which is so neces sary a framework for the study of a particular period or the history of a particular country. It may be found useful as a preparatory excursion before the reading of the author's much fuller and more explicit Outline of History is undertaken. But its especial end is to meet the needs of the busy general reader, too driven to study the maps and time charts of that Outline in detail, Who Wishes to refresh and repair his faded or fragmentary conceptions of the great adventure of mankind. It is not an abstract or condensation of that former work. Within its aim the Outline admits of no further. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of London Simon Jenkins, 2019-10-10 'Fascinating and timely. Required reading for every developer, planner or councillor who holds London in trust today' Griff Rhys Jones 'Accessible, clear and readable' Rowan Moore, The Observer ________________________ LONDON: a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes and ruled by the Normans. This unremarkable place - not even included in the Domesday Book - became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be chequered with grand estates of Georgian splendour. It swelled with industry and became the centre of the largest empire in history. And rising from the rubble of the Blitz, it is now one of the greatest cities in the world. From the prehistoric occupants of the Thames valley to the preoccupied commuters of today, Simon Jenkins brings together the key events, individuals and trends in London's history to create a matchless portrait of the capital. ________________________ 'A vivid and deeply well-informed account of London's history' Charles Saumarez Smith, Professor of Cultural History, Queen Mary University of London 'Extremely informative and witty' Roy Porter, author of London: A Social History on Landlords to London 'A short, invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years' Scotsman on A Short History of Europe |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of World War II. James L. Stokesbury, 1982 |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H. G. Wells, 2015-12-07 A story of our planet and humankind. From the origins of the earth to the founding of the League of Nations.Wells wrote this short version of The Outline of History to, in his own words meet the needs of the busy general reader. Notice: This Book is published by Historical Books Limited (www.publicdomain.org.uk) as a Public Domain Book, if you have any inquiries, requests or need any help you can just send an email to publications@publicdomain.org.uk This book is found as a public domain and free book based on various online catalogs, if you think there are any problems regard copyright issues please contact us immediately via DMCA@publicdomain.org.uk |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H G Wells, 2021-03-28 World history There is an increasing realisation that our knowledge of world history - and how it all fits together - is far from perfect. A Short History of the World aims to fill the big gaps in our historical knowledge with a book that is easy to read and assumes little prior knowledge of past events. The book does not aim to come up with groundbreaking new theories on why things occurred, but rather gives a broad overview of the generally accepted version of events so that non-historians will feel less ignorant when discussing the past. While the book covers world history from the Big Bang to the present day, it principally covers key people, events and empires since the dawn of the first civilisations in around 3500 BC. To help readers put events, places and empires into context, the book includes 36 specially commissioned maps to accompany the text. The result is a book that is reassuringly epic in scope but refreshingly short in length. An excellent place to start to bring your historical knowledge up to scratch. Once you have read this, you will never feel exposed again! |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H G Wells, 2021-03-31 World history There is an increasing realisation that our knowledge of world history ñ and how it all fits together ñ is far from perfect. A Short History of the World aims to fill the big gaps in our historical knowledge with a book that is easy to read and assumes little prior knowledge of past events. The book does not aim to come up with groundbreaking new theories on why things occurred, but rather gives a broad overview of the generally accepted version of events so that non-historians will feel less ignorant when discussing the past. While the book covers world history from the Big Bang to the present day, it principally covers key people, events and empires since the dawn of the first civilisations in around 3500 BC. To help readers put events, places and empires into context, the book includes 36 specially commissioned maps to accompany the text. The result is a book that is reassuringly epic in scope but refreshingly short in length. An excellent place to start to bring your historical knowledge up to scratch. Once you have read this, you will never feel exposed again! |
| a short history of the world: EBOOK: A Short History of Society: The Making of the Modern World Mary Evans, 2006-12-16 A brilliant inquiry into culture and society over some seven centuries, Mary Evans explores the origins and trajectories of modernity from the Reformation through the Enlightenment to the contemporary period. Her intellectual control of complex ideas and diverse forms of evidence is consistently impressive. Exploring various pessimistic, dystopian strands in European perspectives on modernity by Friedrich Nietzsche, Max Weber and Theodor Adorno, she defends a balanced view of both the negative and positive consequences of modernization. This is historical sociology at its best: judicious, theoretically informed, carefully crafted, grounded in empirical research, and above all intellectually clever. A Short History of Society will prove to be a valuable companion to the student who needs a concise scholarly and sociological overview of modernity. Bryan Turner, National University of Singapore A Short History of Society is a concise account of the emergence of modern western society. It looks at how successive generations have understood and explained the world in which they lived, and examines significant events since the Enlightenment that have led to the development of society as we know it today. The book spans the period 1500 to the present day and discusses the social world in terms of both its politics and its culture. This book is ideal for undergraduate students in the social sciences who are perplexed by the myriad of events and theories with which their courses are concerned, and who need a historical perspective on the changes that shaped the contemporary world. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of Mozambique M. D. D. Newitt, 2017 A splendidly written portrait of Mozambique in the colonial and post-colonial eras, by the premier historian of the country. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World Christopher Lascelles, 2014-01 A rapid journey through history from the Big Bang through to the 21st century. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the Ancient World Nicholas K. Rauh, Heidi E. Kraus, 2018-01-11 A Short History of the Ancient World begins with the Bronze Age and ends with the collapse of the Roman Empire. Rather than restricting his analysis to the Greek and Roman experience, Rauh introduces students to ancient Africa, Israel, Egypt, Iran, China, and the Indian subcontinent. To aid students on their journey into the ancient world, Rauh has provided key terms and definitions, What Have We Learned review points, and an engaging art program that includes 51 images within the Art in Focus and Materials and Techniques features. Informative maps, chronologies, and tables also give students a closer look into the rise and fall of these great civilizations. Learning extends beyond the book with UTP's History Matters website (www.utphistorymatters.com) which includes relevant essay and multiple choice questions. With A Short History of the Ancient World, Rauh has crafted a comprehensive exploration of humanity's most fascinating early civilizations. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World - illustrated H.G. Wells, 2021-08-18 A Short History of the World illustrated H. G. Wells - A Short History of the World: with original illustrations Although best known for his scientific romances that paved the way for the modern science fiction genre, H. G. Wells (1866-1946) produced significant works on politics, society, science and history. Fascinated as much with the real world as his imaginary one, and displeased with the quality of history textbooks at the end of World War I, Wells took on the task of writing his own book of world history. In 1919 he published The Outline of History, a 1,324-page book in three volumes, which he soon followed with the much shorter and highly popular work, A Short History of the World. This condensed work is a monumental account of the physical, spiritual, and intellectual evolution of the human race, and chronicles key events of humanity's development. More importantly, Wells brings to light the continuity of history, and provokes thoughts on the future implications of our scientific and intellectual progress |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H G Wells, 2021-04-07 There is an increasing realisation that our knowledge of world history - and how it all fits together - is far from perfect. A Short History of the World aims to fill the big gaps in our historical knowledge with a book that is easy to read and assumes little prior knowledge of past events.The book does not aim to come up with groundbreaking new theories on why things occurred, but rather gives a broad overview of the generally accepted version of events so that non-historians will feel less ignorant when discussing the past.While the book covers world history from the Big Bang to the present day, it principally covers key people, events and empires since the dawn of the first civilisations in around 3500 BC. To help readers put events, places and empires into context, the book includes 36 specially commissioned maps to accompany the text.The result is a book that is reassuringly epic in scope but refreshingly short in length. An excellent place to start to bring your historical knowledge up to scratch. Once you have read this, you will never feel exposed again! |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World H G Wells, 2021-03-30 There is an increasing realisation that our knowledge of world history - and how it all fits together - is far from perfect. A Short History of the World aims to fill the big gaps in our historical knowledge with a book that is easy to read and assumes little prior knowledge of past events. The book does not aim to come up with groundbreaking new theories on why things occurred, but rather gives a broad overview of the generally accepted version of events so that non-historians will feel less ignorant when discussing the past. While the book covers world history from the Big Bang to the present day, it principally covers key people, events and empires since the dawn of the first civilisations in around 3500 BC. To help readers put events, places and empires into context, the book includes 36 specially commissioned maps to accompany the text. The result is a book that is reassuringly epic in scope but refreshingly short in length. An excellent place to start to bring your historical knowledge up to scratch. Once you have read this, you will never feel exposed again! |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of Myth Karen Armstrong, 2008-10-30 As long as we have been human, we have been mythmakers. In A Short History of Myth, Karen Armstrong holds up the mirror of mythology to show us the history of ourselves, and embarks on a journey that begins at a Neanderthal graveside and ends buried in the heart of the modern novel. Surprising, powerful and profound, A Short History of Myth examines the world's most ancient art form - the making and telling of stories - and why we still need it. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the Future W. Warren Wagar, 1999-08 Narrated by a far-future historian, Peter Jensen leaves an account of the world from the 1990s to the opening of the 23rd century as a gift to his granddaughter. A combination of fiction and scholarship, this third edition of Wagar's speculative history of the future alternates between descriptions of world events and intimate glimpses of this historian's family into the first centuries of the new millennium. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World Herbert George Wells, 2021-03-28 There is an increasing realisation that our knowledge of world history - and how it all fits together - is far from perfect. A Short History of the World aims to fill the big gaps in our historical knowledge with a book that is easy to read and assumes little prior knowledge of past events. The book does not aim to come up with groundbreaking new theories on why things occurred, but rather gives a broad overview of the generally accepted version of events so that non-historians will feel less ignorant when discussing the past. While the book covers world history from the Big Bang to the present day, it principally covers key people, events and empires since the dawn of the first civilisations in around 3500 BC. To help readers put events, places and empires into context, the book includes 36 specially commissioned maps to accompany the text. The result is a book that is reassuringly epic in scope but refreshingly short in length. An excellent place to start to bring your historical knowledge up to scratch. Once you have read this, you will never feel exposed again! |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of England Simon Jenkins, 2011-11-22 The heroes and villains, triumphs and disasters of English history are instantly familiar -- from the Norman Conquest to Henry VIII, Queen Victoria to the two World Wars. But to understand their full significance we need to know the whole story. A Short History of England sheds new light on all the key individuals and events in English history by bringing them together in an enlightening account of the country's birth, rise to global prominence, and then partial eclipse. Written with flair and authority by Guardian columnist and London Times former editor Simon Jenkins, this is the definitive narrative of how today's England came to be. Concise but comprehensive, with more than a hundred color illustrations, this beautiful single-volume history will be the standard work for years to come. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the World in 50 Places Jacob F. Field, 2020-04-02 A new perspective on the grand sweep of our planet's story, from the prehistoric era to the early twenty-first century. |
| a short history of the world: This Fleeting World David Christian, 2018-06-24 This Fleeting World is the smallest book of big history, telling the story of the universe and history of humanity in less than one hundred pages. Prize-winning historian David Christian covers it all in this compact, accessible, and inspiring guide to the history of everything, from stars and empires to cities, the World Wide Web, capitalism, and globalization. David Christian's approach to human history and big history is a call to action, based on a profound and fresh understanding of our place in the universe. This book is essential reading for our time. David Christian asks big questions. Will contemporary challenges will lead to the emergence of a new global system capable of ecological, economic, and political stability? Or is the accelerating pace of change a prelude to a sudden, sharp collapse that will drive many parts of the world back to the productivity levels of the early agrarian era? He presents our origin story and the history of women and men across the entire world, within the framework of the universe explaining, for example, that the chemicals we are made of come from supernovae. He tells the human story as a story of changes: changes in the ways we produce and distribute food, move from place to place, organize ourselves into communities, explore and populate our environment, and both create and respond to crises. He gives us maps of time, history on different temporal-spatial scales, and even offers paths to locate evidence that might challenge his big story. Big history leads to strategies for building a more sustainable world, and Berkshire Publishing is proud to offer this new edition of a big history for our common future. The 2018 edition has been expanded and updated for the general reader; there is also an earlier edition designed for use with AP World History and other courses, which included a teachers' guide. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of the Vietnam War DK, 2021-05-04 A gripping and informative visual guide to one of the bloodiest conflicts in US and world history Journey through the Vietnam War; exploring detailed accounts of the men and women that were there. Explore their stories of struggle, sacrifice, and bravery through the iconic events that defined this conflict. This visual guide is the perfect read for any military history enthusiast. Inside the pages of this retelling of America’s bloodiest conflict, you’ll discover: • A vivid, moving, and informative read, written in an engaging style • Offers a clear and compelling account of the conflict, in short, self-contained events from the Battle of Ia Drang to the Tet Offensive and The Khmer Rouge • Biography spreads highlight major military and political figures • Features on everyday life in the war offering additional context • Stunning image spreads display weapons, spy gear, and other equipment that defined the war • Maps and feature boxes provide additional information on major events during the conflict A carefully constructed, in-depth guide to Vietnam This definitive history of the Vietnam War was written in conjunction with the Smithsonian. SI A Short History of the Vietnam War showcases every aspect of the fighting and the wider political landscape from both the side of the Viet Cong and the US military. Compelling text, diagrams, and maps show exactly how decisive moments and battles unfolded to help the reader to visualize the conflict. Eyewitness accounts and iconic photographs bring events to life - from the creation of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Operation Passage to Freedom and the evacuation of the US embassy in Saigon. From weapons and aircraft to armored vehicles and spy gear, explore the machinery used in the war through breathtaking photography. Lastly, biographical entries give a fuller insight into the minds of key figures and the decisions they made and include Henry Kissinger, President Nixon, Pol Pot, and more. More in the series Combining expert historical insight, eyewitness accounts, and archive photography, A Short History series seeks to summarise key historical events and provide a wider context to what was happening around these events. Titles include SI A Short History of World War II, SI A Short History of the American Civil War, and SI A Short History of Flying and are the perfect addition to any history enthusiast’s library. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History Of Progress Ronald Wright, 2010-08-31 Have we learnt the lessons of the past - or will we be next? Many of the great ruins that grace the deserts and jungles of the earth are monuments to civlisations which fell victim to their own success: from Easter Island's monolithic wilderness to the perpetual silence of the Mayan ruins and ultimately to today's melting ice caps and growing ozone hole, the cycle has continually repeated itself across the years. |
| a short history of the world: A Little History of Philosophy Nigel Warburton, 2011-10-25 Presents an introduction to the ideas of major Western philosophers, including Aristotle, Augustine, John Locke, and Karl Marx. |
| a short history of the world: World War I Tammy M. Proctor, 2017-11-13 A lively, engaging history of The Great War written for a new generation of readers In recent years, scholarship on World War I has turned from a fairly narrow focus on military tactics, weaponry, and diplomacy to incorporate considerations of empire, globalism, and social and cultural history. This concise history of the first modern, global war helps to further broaden the focus typically provided in World War I surveys by challenging popular myths and stereotypes to provide a new, engaging account of The Great War. The conventional World War I narrative that has evolved over the past century is that of an inevitable but useless war, where men were needlessly slaughtered due to poor decisions by hidebound officers. This characterization developed out of a narrow focus on the Western Front promulgated mainly by British historians. In this book, Professor Proctor provides a broader, more multifaceted historical narrative including perspectives from other fronts and spheres of interest and a wider range of participants. She also draws on recent scholarship to consider the gendered aspect of war and the ways in which social class, religion, and cultural factors shaped experiences and memories of the war. Structured chronologically to help convey a sense of how the conflict evolved Each chapter considers a key interpretive question, encouraging readers to examine the extent to which the war was total, modern, and global Challenges outdated stereotypes created through a focus on the Western Front Considers the war in light of recent scholarship on empire, global history, gender, and culture Explores ways in which the war and the terms of peace shaped the course of the 20th century World War I: A Short History is sure to become required reading in undergraduate survey courses on WWI, as well as courses in military history, the 20th century world, or the era of the World Wars. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of Seafaring Brian Lavery, 2022-12-01 A fascinating journey through more than 5,000 years of seafaring history in this essential guide to the most impressive seafaring tales, explorers, and maritime environments. For more than 5,000 years, the seas have challenged, rewarded, and punished the brave sailors who set forth to explore it. This history of the seas and sailing tells the remarkable story of those individuals - whether they lived to tell the tale themselves or not. From the early Polynesian seafarers and the first full circumnavigations of the globe, to explorers picking their way through the coral reefs of the West Indies, this book tells the compelling story of life at sea that lies behind man's search for new lands, new trade, conquest, and uncharted waters. Charting the great milestones of nautical history from the discovery of America to the establishment of the Royal Navy, the naval history of the American Civil War, the Battle of Midway and modern piracy the book sets all of them in their cultural and historical context. The Conquest of the Ocean is a unique compendium of awe-inspiring tales of epic sea voyages and great feats of seamanship, navigation, endurance, and ingenuity. |
| a short history of the world: A Short History of Europe Simon Jenkins, 2018-11-08 The first short, single-volume history of the continent - from the Dark Ages to present day - by the author of the bestselling A Short History of England Europe is an astonishingly successful place. In this dazzling new history, bestselling author Simon Jenkins grippingly tells the story of its evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom. From Greece and Rome, through the Reformation and the French Revolution, to the Second World War and up now, Jenkins takes in leaders including Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, Wellington and Angela Merkel, along with cultural figures like Aristotle, Shakespeare and Picasso. In one concise book for the very first time, Jenkins brings together the transformative forces and dominant eras into one chronological tale - all with his insight, colour and authority. PRAISE FOR SIMON JENKINS: 'Full of stand-out facts . . . absolutely fascinating' Richard Bacon, BBC Radio 2, on A Short History of England 'Masterly, perhaps a masterpiece' Independent, Books of the Year on England's Thousand Best Churches 'Jenkins is, like all good guides, more than simply informative: he can be courteous and rude, nostalgic and funny, elegant' Adam Nicolson on England's Thousand Best Houses, Evening Standard 'Full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought' Michael Wood on A Short History of England, New Statesman 'Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book' Max Hastings on England's Thousand Best Houses, Sunday Telegraph |
A Short History of the World (Wells book) - Wikipedia
A Short History of the World is an account of human history by English author H. G. Wells. It was first published in 1922 by Cassell & Company (London) and The Macmillan …
A Short History of the World by H. G. Wells | Project Gutenberg
Mar 2, 2011 · "A Short History of the World" by H. G. Wells is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the vast expanse of the Earth's history, …
A short history of the world - Archive.org
Apr 25, 2007 · World history Publisher New York : Macmillan Collection robarts; sciencefiction; toronto; additional_collections; …
A Short History of the World - amazon.com
Jan 1, 2010 · However, when we come into the first great civilisations, and their history based upon historic documentation and archaeological discovery, the book really …
A Short History of the World by H.G. Wells - Goodreads
Wells brings his monumental learning and penetrating historical insight to bear on the Neolithic era, the rise of Judaism, the Golden Age of Athens, the life of Christ, the rise of …
A Short History of the World (Wells book) - Wikipedia
A Short History of the World is an account of human history by English author H. G. Wells. It was first published in 1922 by Cassell & Company (London) and The Macmillan Company (New …
A Short History of the World by H. G. Wells | Project Gutenberg
Mar 2, 2011 · "A Short History of the World" by H. G. Wells is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the vast expanse of the Earth's history, delving into the …
A short history of the world - Archive.org
Apr 25, 2007 · World history Publisher New York : Macmillan Collection robarts; sciencefiction; toronto; additional_collections; university_of_toronto Contributor Robarts - University of …
A Short History of the World - amazon.com
Jan 1, 2010 · However, when we come into the first great civilisations, and their history based upon historic documentation and archaeological discovery, the book really comes into its own …
A Short History of the World by H.G. Wells - Goodreads
Wells brings his monumental learning and penetrating historical insight to bear on the Neolithic era, the rise of Judaism, the Golden Age of Athens, the life of Christ, the rise of Islam, the …
The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Short History of the World, …
Mar 2, 2011 · The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Short History of the World, by H. G. Wells This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the …
A short history of the world : the story of mankind from …
Dec 9, 2020 · A short history of the world : the story of mankind from prehistory to the modern day by Woolf, Alex, 1964-
A short history of the world, - Library of Congress
The outline of history, being a plain history of life and mankind, Also available in digital form. Contributor: Wells, H. G. (Herbert George) Date: 1921
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WORLD - Freeditorial
Jul 3, 2014 · Download A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WORLD free in PDF & EPUB format. Download H.G. Wells's A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WORLD for your kindle, tablet, IPAD, …
A Short History of the World : H.G. Wells - Archive.org
4 days ago · A Short History of the World by H.G. Wells. Publication date 1922 Collection internetarchivebooks Contributor Internet Archive Language English Item Size 793.8M . …
