Customer Reviews

Global Rift: The Third World Comes of Age

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If you ever read any history book, read this one. It's has changed my understanding of politics and economics more than anything else. Reading it can be a radicalizing experience, not because of it's rhetorical arguments, but it's clear and methodical explanation of the history of capitalism as it relates to the third world. Despite it's hefty 900 pages, it's easy and enjoyable to read. I recommend it for anybody who wants to understand the background to present day politics. Where are Islamic militants coming from when the express so much hate for the US and Israel? How did Japan become a defacto `western' nation and avoid colonization? What is the background surrounding the genocidal upheaval gripping central Africa?

Global Rift is a simply amazing book that everybody who wants to understand the roots of modern globalism should read!

I read this book 12 years ago in college and still count it in the top 5 books of my life. A huge book, it thoroughly documents the history of the development of capitalism, colonialism and the struggles for decolonization. Goes a long way toward explaining current globalization, economics, political and ethnic struggles in the world. It all fits in a challenging but cohesive and compelling narrative about how the world has "developed" over the past 400 years or so. Guaranteed to make you see things differently and understand international issues better. But beware: hard to be a simple complacent consumer in the 1st World after reading it.

I'm reading this book and I would have to agree with the other reviewers. This is one of the best history books that I've read. It's comprehensive, critical, and easy-to-read. I wish there was a follow-up book to cover the last 26 years of 'world history.'

I first encountered this book in a course I took at Gettysburg College, taught by the best teacher I have ever had -- Christine Sylvester. It is a huge book -- and to be honest I really sped through it. But it is absorbing and mind-opening. Published at the dawn of the Reagan era, it can offer an alternative view to the predominant tone of self-congratulations that spews forth from conservative hacks.

The only drawback about this book is that it purports to place history in a realistic framework. Some of the material is factual, while other material is heresay or complete rumor. I would strongly caution a reader to look at all of the facts presented here with skepticism (and check them against historical record).
Also, anyone who buys and reads this book should be aware that they are not getting an unbiased view of history and third world development.