Naturally, if you wish to write a book that covers the whole of world history you are bound to be selective, but I believe the author's selections are a little too arbitrary in certain periods. The coverage of the Assyrian, Elamite and Persian civilizations are almost non-existent. The coverage of Indian civilizations leaves much to be desired. These are only some examples, many important topics are either left out or insufficiently covered.
Readability is also an issue. The language is not an easy one. It's quite academic which is not in itself a bad thing as long as clarity is not sacrificed, however, the language is not really clear. Expect long, meandering paragraphs, a more unfamiliar and academic lexicon that you might be comfortable with and don't expect to be dazzled by the beauty of the language. There are occasions where the authors paints a beautiful picture, but they are few and far between.
The style of presentation is not narrative but more expository, so if you are more familiar with being presented history as if a story is being read to you, which I believe is more natural, be prepared to be disappointed. I myself don't mind that objective, third person, detached point of view.
Other things to remember, the book, like unfortunately many books of history, gives much more credit than it is objectively due, to religion or more accurately to "western" Abrahamic religions. There are quite a few places when this is obvious, but to give you only one example; quite early in the book you'll see Judaism being kind of implicitly credited as the first monotheistic religion of the world:
" The religious innovations of Akhnaton and the growing assertiveness of the cult of Marduk have both been seen as responses to such a challenge. Yet only the Hebrews and those who came to share their beliefs were able to push the process home, at some point before the seventh century BC transcending polytheism and localism to arrive at a coherent and uncompromising monotheism."
This is of course downright inaccurate. Zoroastrianism is the first monotheistic religion of the world, unless you take monotheism to be something very particular. However, despite the fact that the author mentions Zoroastrianism later on in the book, he decides to forgo any clarification and this information stick to the mind and if you are not aware of the history of Zoroastrianism then you might end up believing that Judaism was the first monotheistic religion. Regrettably, there are more instances like this. My advice to you, if you see anything related to religion, take it with a grain of slat, unless you are certain of its truth.
Other than these, I'd say it's a very good book. You'd hardly find anything better that covers so much of human history, with such level of accuracy and breadth, in only one volume.
Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
$42.75
Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 30
In Stock.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 21, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 2, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 15, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Dr Merry
fabulous book... does what it says on the cover...
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on February 19, 2021Claude Chalem
A history of the world all should read
Reviewed in France 🇫🇷 on December 18, 2018Skribh
Un panorama general aceptable, pero nada más
Reviewed in Spain 🇪🇸 on October 3, 2018
