A History of the World
A History of the World book cover

A History of the World

by
Price
$15.24
Format
Paperback
Pages
500
Publisher
Pan Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1447236825
Dimensions
5 x 1.75 x 7.75 inches
Weight
1.08 pounds

Description

Andrew Marr is a political journalist who has worked for the Daily Express , the Independent , the Scotsman , and the Observer , and spent five years as the BBC's political editor. He is the author of The History of Modern Britain , The Making of Modern Britain , and The Real Elizabeth .

Features & Highlights

  • From the earliest civilizations to the 21st century, this global journey through human history is the companion volume to a Discovery Channel/BBC coproduced series, like
  • Life
  • and
  • Planet Earth
  • Our understanding of world history is changing, as new discoveries are made on all the continents and old prejudices are being challenged. In this truly global journey Andrew Marr revisits some of traditional histories, which have tended to be Eurocentric, telling mankind's story through tales of Greece and Rome and the crowned heads of Europe's oldest monarchies. Here he widens the lens, concentrating as much, if not more on the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Instead of focusing on one episode of history taking place in one place, he draws surprising parallels and makes fascinating connections, focusing on a key incident or episode to tell a larger story: for instance, the liberation of the serfs in Russia, which took place at the same time as the American Civil War, which resulted in the abolition of slavery. But he begins the account with an episode in the life of Tolstoy, who racked up huge gambling debts and had to sell land and slaves as a result. Fresh and exciting, this is popular history at its very best.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(687)
★★★★
25%
(573)
★★★
15%
(344)
★★
7%
(160)
★
23%
(526)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

A good overall view of world history that is interesting

This may be the best world history book that I have read although I have not always enjoyed everything that Mr. Marr has produced. It explains a lot to me that have just been murky questions in my mind. Yes, I know that some of this information may not be the total fact of the matter(is any history book?) but it is his studied conception and certainly better than many. I enjoyed the fact that it was not just battle after battle and war after war. I have looked for history information that gives us knowledge of the many developments that have happened...not just war. Sure, no book is going to do that 100%. but at least this book tried to balance that in to its content. Remembering my school days, I now wish that a book like this had been available....because what was available was boring and just a small percentage of the real history. Mr. Marr does give opinions on peoples personalities and abilities...but if you don't agree with him, you may look up further information to form your own opinion.

If anyone can come up with another book, another world history that is as interesting and as balanced as this book....I would like to see your suggestions....Keep in mind that I don't want to go through every detail. A book of this size cannot have every detail.
15 people found this helpful
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and sometimes funny history book written in unpretentious language

If you are looking for a dynamic, well-paced, and sometimes funny history book written in unpretentious language, this is your best option.
1 people found this helpful
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A Must Have!

Great book!
✓ Verified Purchase

Excellent!

I very much appreciated the author's perspective on the history of humanity (the book is not about the history of the world as the tittle suggests), and his focus on the consequences, rather than the facts of the events that gave shape to the world we currently live in. This book is a must to for students and anyone interesting in understanding the history of humanity from an eagle's eye perspective.

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