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Summary: Great book and even fun if you don't agree with it
Review: First off, this book is not western european inclined, even though a great deal of influence on the world came from western europe according to the author.18 are from the Asian area. 4 more from the African and South American areas. The emphasis of this book is on the individual's influence. I ran this as a contest of sorts on a message board and here's some info to help you decide if the book might be interesting to you: Here's the criteria so that you don't go off tangent: (1) Look to how this person influenced the people around him, for good or bad, and also how it impacted later people.; (2) people who impacted their generation but not later ones in any sense got less of a ranking or far less; (3) this guy is pretty fair in giving rankings to non European types; (4) sometimes the person's goals weren't fulfilled but they did something indirectly that later became a big deal; (5) some did only one thing out of many, that may have looked small at the time, that ranked them on the list. (6) the uniqueness of the person is sometimes taken into account, meaning the event is unlikely to have happened without this person; and (7) some people build upon the ideas or methods of others so the first one will sometimes get more credit. Here's a ranking of the types of professions to help a little: SCIENTIESTS AND INVENTORS (37) POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADERS (30) SECULAR PHILOSOPHERS (14) RELIGIOUS LEADERS (11) ARTISTIC AND LITERARY FIGURES (6) EXPLORERS (2) Highly recommend this book. Even if you don't agree with it, it's thought provoking, unlike some History books, and might even make you come up with your own list.
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Summary: 100 Influential Person In History
Review: The book is amazing. I have seen the book but was not able to read it. I hope it will be reprinted for all of us to learn more about history. I recomend that every one should read it.
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Summary: Great listing
Review: This book is a great listing of the most Influential people in history. I do have some quibbles with who Mr. Hart put on the list, or where he ranked some of them. But then, it isn't my listing. I do like the fact that Hart places a great emphesis on science and technology, as I do see these as the driving forces of history. Without scientific advancement, then certain things just wouldn't exist now a days... things that we think have no connection with science. The ability to communicate quickly, travel quickly, etc. Alone makes many things we take for granted now a days possible that in the past poeple wouldn't have dared to dream could occur. I own both of the major editions of this book. It is too bad that the work is out of print now, as it deservers to be published and updated.
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Summary: Every Home should have a copy on the shelf
Review: It is sensational and thought provoking. I read the whole book and gained an excellent knowledge of the events by the most influential people in history that shaped the world history and civilization. This is a book that I would buy on special occasions as a gift to friends.
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Summary: I want to buy this book
Review: I happen to read this book's Chinese translation in Beijing. It was on the "hot book" shelf over there last month. I enjoyed it so much so I wanted to have a copy in English. How can it be out of print?
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Summary: MORE FUN THAN ACADEMIC
Review: A friend had this book, pulled it off the shelf and tested me to see how many I could guess (I was able to get 18 out of the top 20!). We had a great time playing with it and I rushed out to get myself a copy only to discover it's currently out of print. If it were available I would certainly buy it simply to continue playing (with so many games possible - how many and which U.S. Presidents make the list, how many popes, how many women?- it blows Trivial Pursuit out of the water) and to provoke conversations (at home as well as in the classroom.) Never mind the fact that a text such as this is bound to be controversial in its ranking and choices; that's part of the fun. Also, I only got to glance at the biographies and would love a more in depth reading. Additionally, I greatly enjoyed the Near Misses section and the reasons why Abraham Lincoln, for example, didn't make the list. Even if some of the info is historically inaccurate (as some of these other reviews claim) I think it still makes the ultimate intellectual party favor.
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Summary: Many would buy
Review: I am really surprised that this book is out of print..... I can personally account for over 5000 people (500 directly) that would buy this book...and would buy a hardbound of it ...if available.. And the numbers would be even greater if each of those were compariable in friendships & relationships.. I have the 1987 ....and was hoping to find a updated copy.... (5 years can be a big difference). Come on guys.... republish ....you have suffiecnt market to justify it..
Rating: 
Summary: Let's see it republished!
Review: I, too, was shocked to find that this wonderful book was out of print. I canvassed several used book stores before I found one that actually had it in stock -- but all the stores knew about the book. These pithy glimpses into the lives of incredible people is not only educational, but fun.
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Summary: Why Is this Out of Print?
Review: I hope my comments will somehow be conveyed to the publisher or to a potential publisher. I was thunderstruck to discover that this wonderful book is out of print and completely unavailable. This is a marvelously informative, thought-provoking book and one of the most interesting and entertaining "parlor games" ever. (And no, I'm not related to the author, never met him!) Everyone who has seen my copy of the book or even heard me describe it has wanted a copy and I have given it as a gift many times. I'd planned to buy several this year as gifts...but it seems it's no longer available, only the numerous spin-offs and immitations. Should be back on the shelves! Pass my sentiments along, please, to whomever can rectify the situation.
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Summary: Hart's objectivity is highly commendable
Review: The author has convincingly argued for the reasons behind ranking persons as he did. It should be noted that he avoided using the loaded term "most important" and instead used "most influential." Obviously, the first term is quite subjective, i.e., Christians would prefer to rank Jesus as #1, and atheists may prefer a scientist such as Einstein. By looking at the person's lifetime, influence on historical events, and influence on peoples live today, Hart has put together quite an unbiased book. cc: Bill Gates would probably make the list if the ranking were done today?!
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