World History: Ancient History, United States History, European, Native American, Russian, Chinese, Asian, African, Indian and Australian History, Wars including World War 1 and 2 is the world’s kindest introduction to world history. You get all of the high points but none of the headaches. It is clear, clean, and gets right to the point of every major time in history. This is world history without all of the boring wordiness. It gives you an over-arching view of every society on earth including their artistic, mathematic, scientific, and cultural accomplishments. You learn about important artifacts, buildings of historical importance, and war motivations, costs, and the after effects. Something that I feel like history classes tend to gloss over is how wars decimate not only the losing side, but the victors’ too. In its brief way, this work nods its head to that reality.
The tone is of the book is factual and fluff-free but holds interest. The words are not weighed down with any musings about the historical happenings, and so, you can read through this quickly while gleaning only the facts.
Wherever history has doubts, they are also noted here. I think this is important because there are some parts of history where things were not written down or otherwise noted (whether it be in song or verses passed down orally), so it’s good to know that there are variations in what is known about any historical occurrence.
I definitely retained more from reading this than half of the stuff teachers attempted to cram into my head during a year of world history. Which brings up the question of whether “no fluff” history books should be required to introduce such a large amount of history to new students?
Why should you read this book?
Because reading can enhance your thinking. Because there is so much that can be learned from history. Because history doesn’t have to be dry and dull. Because sometimes you need to baby step yourself into the deep well that is world history. History can also influence your thinking and be inspirational, as well as informative, helping to create more well-rounded people who have a greater awareness of the world.
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