History in Quotations: Reflecting 5000 Years of World History [Hardcover]

M. J. Cohen (Author), John Major (Author), Simon Schama (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2004 | ISBN-10: 0304353876 | ISBN-13: 978-0304353873 | Edition: 1st Ed. (U.K.)

History in Quotations is an exciting and original work of historical reference. From the Iraq of ancient Babylon to the Iraq war of 2003 - taking in the histories of Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia in a grand global sweep - it uses the innovative medium of some 9000 chronologically arranged quotations to tell the story of more than 5000 years of recorded history. The quotations are presented in 90 chapters, each of which focuses on a key historical theme or period. Every quotation is accompanied by details of its source, and, where necessary, by an explanatory contextual gloss. Cross-references guide the user from one quotation to another, related by its subject or its author. A comprehensive index of speakers and subjects allows the user to locate quotations by individual speakers and on specific historical subjects quickly and without fuss. Simultaneously a work of historical reference and an addictively browsable work of popular history, History in Quotations gives the reader a front-row seat at the unfolding drama of 5000 years of recorded history.Here, expressed through a multitude of different historical voices, are words that gave expression to new religious and political creeds; words that voiced the aspirations of the oppressed; words that set nation at war with nation; words that sealed the fates of millions: above all - words that have made history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is a very nice book to meander in and get lost in' THE HERALD "9,000 extracts taken from every lettered civilisation and period." SUNDAY TELEGRAPH '... while this book acts on one hand like a dictionary of memorable phrases, it's also a primary history of recorded (or attributed) thought. As such, it's a fascinating encyclopaedia of snippets, telling us much about the way people thought and acted at various stages throughout history as well as revealing the strength of character and vision possessed by individuals... fascinating to dip into at leisure..' LIVING HISTORY (Februrary 2004) 'This compellingly comprehensive bible of all quotations of any significance since the year 3200 BC will bowl readers over with the sheer scope of its sources and its unfettered coverage of events... As Francis Bacon once said '[h]istories make men wise', making this historical heavyweight a must.' GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Perhaps the best insight into historical events comes from what people had to say about them at the time - which is why 'History in Quotations' is such a fascinating book.' WRITING MAGAZINE

About the Author

M.J. Cohen is a former reference and educational publisher and an experienced compiler of quotations titles. He is the editor of the Penguin Dictionary of Quotations. He lives in North London. John Major is former Reader in Modern History at the University of Hull, and a specialist in modern US history. He lives in Beverley, E. Yorks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1008 pages
• Publisher: Cassell; 1st Ed. (U.K.) edition (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304353876
• ISBN-13: 978-0304353873
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting book, just not in one sitting., January 21, 2010

By 

mdrosen "mdrosen" (Philadephia, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: History in Quotations: Reflecting 5000 Years of World History (Paperback)

I've had this book for several months now and I keep it in the car for reading when my wife is shopping but it ends up being read in my home as well. Every time I open up this book, I learn something new; it is not just a book of quotations, it annotates them to give them context and relevance. What people have said, and done, throughout history is truly remarkable and this book helps you to relate to these past events. If you have any interest in history at all, I would highly recommend this book. Additionally, I've found myself interested in reading about historical events that I previously thought were either not important or not relevant to my interests. Obviously, this book was never meant to be read in one sitting, but as a source of valuable information, hours of enjoyment, and mental simulation, you cannot beat this book!

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pathetic, July 2, 2007

By 

Fabrizio Scrollini (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: History in Quotations: Reflecting 5000 Years of World History (Hardcover)

After reading this book (partially )I just found it a terrible attempt to simplify history. If you are willing to repeat like a parrot phrases out of their context, buy the book. This will prove people your "knowledge" of the subject. If you are willing to understand history avoid buying this book. Overall, the book has strong views on many issues and does not provide proper explanations. Save your money.