Rating: 
Summary: A flawed masterpiece, must read for any student of history.
Review: An ardent amateur historian, I've found this book to be one of the most instructive and illuminating I've ever found on this broad subject. Wells's vaunted mastery of the language and subject enthrall this reader. I've read it in toto thrice. I have two undated two-volume editions published by Garden City which contain Wells's 1946 revisions, revised and updated by Raymond Postgate, and all the maps and plans by J.F. Horrabin, and would part with one of them.
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Summary: Terrific summary of civilization up to the 20th century
Review: An outstanding outline of the past pertaining to human civilization. A huge tome, I picked it up on a Monday in January and finished it on a Sunday in February, with nary a chance to look at other books in-between. If you find this in a used store somewhere, grab it and delight in it.
Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive outline indeed
Review: Even though this book is only called the outline of history, I have found it to be the most comprehensive history book in my very large collection. Even though the book is as old as my grandparents, the information it contains is still valid today, and since I am a history buff, it occupies an honored place in my library at home. I do not agree with all of his conclusions, but his insight and honesty (I am glad he is not one of those who worships the past) are very refreshing. A must read for anyone who wants to find out about the history of the world.
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Summary: History, REAL HISTORY, made exciting and very interesting.
Review: I first ran across this book more than 25 years ago at a book salvage sale. So much of what Mr. Wells wrote was so new, or different, from what I'd learned in school that I would go to another source to verify or challenge what he'd stated in a sentence, paragraph or page. Mr. Wells was, usually, very accurate. Moreover, when I did check some statement from other sources, it might take hours of research to find a good reference resource. It took a year to finish this book because I flagged many para- graphs or pages and reread and re-researched passages. Whew! One of my copies notes that this book is the world's #l selling history book and is still being used in many classrooms world-wide. I repeat: I'd never heard of this book ever mentioned in school. "The Outline of History," absolutely, needs to be studied by U. S. students in Junior or Senior High School--- preferably 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Our children are being cheated if they do not study this; but, that's another story. Most Sincerely! W. J. Bryan III
Rating:
Summary: A Hidden Gem
Review: I found a 1930 edition of this book at a second hand bookstore. I read it infrequently, but Wells perspective on the history of humanity is refreshing and at times inspiring. There are phrases and observations that have shaped my views of man and his history since I first peered between the covers. ...
Rating:
Summary: A great fiction writer turned his hand to fact.
Review: I have long been a fan of H. G. Wells, so when I came across this book I naturally aquired it for my collection. It is the "New and revised" edition, published in 1931 by Garden city publishing company, New York, with maps and illustrations by J. F. Horrabin. A total of 1255 pages. As can be expected, some facets of Wells book are outdated, especially the earlier periods of Man's history. This however does not detract from what I feel to be a very readable, detailed account of human history from the dawn of time to A.D. 1931. If you have ever wanted to peruse the past, but have found the average history book dry and uninteresting, I recommend this treatment. Wells brought his formidable talent to bear, and turned what is essentially a boring subject into something almost alive. Even without updates, the casual reader with an interest in history would be well rewarded to read this book. After all, most of the "new findings" I refer to are still being argued over. In answer to the request for an English translation of this work - I found my copy at a library book sale. Should I find or hear of another, I will certainly let you know.
Rating:
Summary: A great fiction writer turned his hand to fact.
Review: I have long been a fan of H. G. Wells, so when I came across this book I naturally aquired it for my collection. It is the "New and revised" edition, published in 1931 by Garden city publishing company, New York, with maps and illustrations by J. F. Horrabin. A total of 1255 pages. As can be expected, some facets of Wells book are outdated, especially the earlier periods of Man's history. This however does not detract from what I feel to be a very readable, detailed account of human history from the dawn of time to A.D. 1931. If you have ever wanted to peruse the past, but have found the average history book dry and uninteresting, I recommend this treatment. Wells brought his formidable talent to bear, and turned what is essentially a boring subject into something almost alive. Even without updates, the casual reader with an interest in history would be well rewarded to read this book. After all, most of the "new findings" I refer to are still being argued over. In answer to the request for an English translation of this work - I found my copy at a library book sale. Should I find or hear of another, I will certainly let you know.
Rating: 
Summary: Still Original
Review: I have the 1921 edition - the original which I picked up at a local second hand shop a few months ago for just $1.00. I had no idea that H.G. Wells had written a history text. Being a history buff and having earned my degree in history I was suprised. I never heard this text mentioned once in four and a half years of higher education - why? Well for one Mr. Wells does not fit the academic mold nor does his book follow what is still established doctrine for history texts. He has opinions about everything, he dosen't hesitate to tell the reader what he thinks was wrong with ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Alexander ect. This isn't a man suffering from hero worship. Being a fan of all things Roman I didn't necessary agree with all his evaluations of the Empire and it's civilization, but I have to respect his courage in stating it. This is a book which challenges the reader to think. While Wells is guilty of ommission and some commission which historian isn't? No this is a daring work and even though my addition is eighty years old I found it very relevant and lacking in pretension. I'm proud to have this book sitting on my shelves. Excellent.
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Summary: Great English, but easy reading. a must for history buffs.
Review: I read the old edition with pictures and maps from the Deschutes County Library, but sadly the second volume was not in the library. Sure would like to find someone who would like to part with both volumes. Also read the entire two volume later edition, also from the library. Fascinating, but lacking the interesting pictures and maps.
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Summary: H. G. Wells Outline Of History
Review: I too find these 2 volume set to be very good and well done. H. G. Wells, is considered to be the father of modern science fiction and to find that he is well versed in historical fact. I have the 1961 edition. Mostly find 'Outline Of History' to be very easy to read and simple to understand and I too wish I was taught it in school as it does get you motivated into not only thinking about history but to discuss it's relevations about how the world came to be what it is today. Also would like to point out another good author: Alvin Toffler.
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