which book on world history
theukrainian
Can anyone recommend a book on world history?
I am not trying to "learn" it, but to familiarize myself
with general important events. The idea is to pick
up some facts, and get the chronology straight more or
less.
The book I am looking for would be an interesting
read, as opposed to textbook-ish dry facts style.
Thanks for any suggestions.
denis
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Felix Alton Marz
recommend "A Study Of History". The Theory is: history can be studied in
Phases, when looking at history you do not study one nation but a large
groups of Nations in what he referred to a Civilization, there is a
definite pattern of history and the absolute worst thing that a
Civilization can do is drive to Universalization. In America Arnold
Toynbee is not popular because of this drive towards Marxist Thought,
however resistance against Marxism is building though and maybe in the
future, Toynbeeism will become dominate. We can only hope.
-Felix Alton Marz-
1026Scout
Yes, well, we can always hope NOT.
Funny, you make no sense: "...resistance against Marxism is building
though and maybe in the future, Toynbeeism will become dominate." So,
Marxism is down and out, and so maybe in the future it will be in????
However, despite my misgivings with his determinist thought, I agree
that Toynbee was a great historian, and certainly you should consider
him.
I don't think, however, that if you are going to do 'survey' histories,
and you don't seem overly interested in history, that you will find any
book sufficiently interesting. The nature of the beast is *dry*.
Sorry.
My recommendation is columbia World History. Dry, but well organized,
and a great reference book to keep around.
Otherwise, consider reading some of Micheners books - they don't span
the world in a single book, but you will get a lot of history in each
of the books he wrote. Poland, or the Well, or Texas, for ex, all give
a good flavor and are NOT dry.
--
Tom Adkins
"In the year 2000 I'm going to change my name to "none of the above"
and run for office."
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Before you buy.
dspe...@earthlink.net
"History Atlas" books. World HIstory is much to vast a subject to
attempt in narrative form as a first read.
I am amazed and disappointed that anyone would point you toward
Spengler or Toynbee as introduction to history. Both are extremely
technical and obtuse authors of questionable relevance to a modern
student of history as opposed to a graduate student of historiography.
If you want a lengthy and amusing read, try Will Durant's series.
Many of the sophomoric snobs in this group will raise their lip in a
sneer, but hardly any of them have actually read it. Durant (and his
wife) managed to put together a palatable and readible narrative
survey that can be attacked easily, defended with some effort, and
will not lead you far astray in its basics.
Another approach that you might want to consider is through the
history of art. I can't imagine a student having a satisfactory
introduction to World History without an exposure to one of the big,
heavy art books. My favorite is _History of Art_, H.W. Janson, 2nd
Ed., Harry N. Abrams. Inc., New York 1977.
Prof. Janson has attempted to present art within its historical
context, which is an excellent means to a fairly rapid overview of the
history of culture.
There does not exist, to my knowledge, a short, accurate, inclusive
World History. I'm not at all sure such a thing is possible.
dan
Steven Jones
Good advice - However, as one who has done it, reading all of Durant is
a real undertaking. Good idea about Art History. I was astonished that
there were still people who take Toynbee seriously and I wouldn't wish
Spengler on my worse enemy.
1026Scout
Steven Jones <rmo...@mcn.org> wrote:
> dspe...@earthlink.net wrote:
> >
> > I would suggest as a first survey book that you engage one of the
many
> > "History Atlas" books. World HIstory is much to vast a subject to
> > attempt in narrative form as a first read.
That is good advice. I wish I had one handy to suggest.
> > I am amazed and disappointed that anyone would point you toward
> > Spengler or Toynbee as introduction to history. Both are extremely
> > technical and obtuse authors of questionable relevance to a modern
> > student of history as opposed to a graduate student of
historiography.
You are correct here. Toynbee is not 'in vogue' now, but more
importantly, it is NOT a book for a 'primary reader' of history -
rather, a college survey text would serve better. I still like The
Columbia University book. It is dry, to be sure, but is a good, fair,
and reasonably organized and detailed book on world history. All in
one volume, easy to use as areference in your library.
> >
> > If you want a lengthy and amusing read, try Will Durant's series.
I have heard good things about his work.
dspe...@earthlink.net
wrote:
I agree, the Durant series is a matter of substantial time. I read it
as a "project" during a period bridging about 1973-76 as "secondary
material". I usually have three or four books going at any one time
including quick reads (novels, scifi, poetry), serious stuff I'm
really trying to pay attention to (right this moment Biblical
interpretation) and stuff like Durant, which is a go to when the other
stuff just doesn't taste right.
I should have mentioned several of those history atlas things but my
kids have them all at school right now. Nevermind, he can just go to
any bookstore, they will have them...
dan
J. D. "Tito" Sanchez
> Steven Jones <rmo...@mcn.org> wrote:
> > dspe...@earthlink.net wrote:
> > >
> > > I would suggest as a first survey book that you engage one of the
> many
> > > "History Atlas" books. World HIstory is much to vast a subject to
> > > attempt in narrative form as a first read.
>
> That is good advice. I wish I had one handy to suggest.
A lot of people have suggested Columbia. Another good text is JM Roberts'
the Penguin History of the World, which does of course leave out key
details and suffers from all the defects that a cursory book will have,
but has the advantage of being relatively small but with a very copius
bibliography so that you can find out more about what you really get
excited about.
--
J. Tito Sanchez
Member of the Archaeological Insitute of America
Sinology / Chinese Studies
Graduate School
School of Oriental and African Studies
The University of London
"At the end of the day, it's not the end of the world."