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Summary: Bravo! A mix of history, culture, science, commentary
Review: I didn't think that the first history of the universe could be beat, but he did it. By keeping the view worldwide, and multicultural, he makes the learning experience maximal. However, I did find the injection of personal views on things somewhat annoying, although that only happens 2 or three times in the entire book, and perhaps I am a little bit sensitive to such issues in a book like this. Excellent! I would say that even if you took the history of civilizations about 60% or more of this would be new to you, and is presented in a fascinating format. Can't wait for the next one...
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Summary: Awesome book
Review: I have read this book twice and I can't wait to read it again. Larry's writing is funny but yet at the same time, you actually learn something. Nowadays, when high schools don't offer world history, and you don't have the time to read 1000 page books, Larry Gonick's works are a utter joy. I've been waiting for a few years for his third volume to come out. I plan on ordering his book on American History because I know it will be just as good as his books on world history.
Rating:
Summary: very good
Review: I like this book so much that I've given it as a gift maybe 5 times already. I especially like the sections on Chinese history, which pare some fairly sprawling stories to what I think are their cores (plus the interesting sidenotes). However, my sister, who is NOT a history fan, still found the stories unfocused. A more minor quibble I have is that the Chinese names are romanized using the old Taiwanese system instead of the Commies', and the latter is the modern standard (and superior).
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Summary: Great way to show parallel tracks of history
Review: I loved volumes one and two of Mr. Gonick's excellent series on world history. Aside from the great art and humor, my greatest praise for his work is that he clearly shows the parallel events that occurred in different places in the world.He devotes lengthy chapters to Chinese, Indian, as well as European and Middle Eastern history, giving the reader a great sense of how history unfolded. My only reservation is that sometimes Mr. Gonick goes for the more controversial interpretation of history (i.e. the sexual preferences of some major historical figures, etc.), which I'm sure are intended partly for fun and humor. Nevertheless, he does present views that are rarely voiced in mainstream history texts, and as in any academic endeavour, divergent opinions are the best way to reach the truth. Kudos for Mr. Gonick, and hoping that vol. III will be on the way soon.
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Summary: Can't wait for vol. III
Review: I've read and re-read both volumes I & II many many times in the last 4 years. Great fun. I've been waiting since 1996 for Vol. III. Please Mr. Gonick, do I have to wait much longer ?
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Summary: Mad Magazine does World History!
Review: If you love history and you love the irreverence of Mad magazine, you will love this gem. Accurate, blunt and fun fun fun.
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Summary: Where are the next Set of Volumes Larry ?
Review: In anticipation of of times of mental distress where a delightful, quick, and cheap escape is needed, I always have two sets of books near by: The story of Civilization (Will Durant) and The Cartoon History of the Universe... Gonick's irreverent style is unmatched! I read these books first many years ago and since then I've been patiently waiting for the next set.
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Summary: Best way to read about history, period.
Review: Larry Gonick's Cartoon History of the Universe, all 13 volumes of it so far, encapsulates all the best juicy details of history and presents it in a way that you can't help but want to read it. I've read both books over and over again, and not only am I constantly finding new details and being entertained, I'm learning more than I ever did in my public high school history classes. Hilarious, witty, and informative. You will not regret buying this book, unless you regularly regale in the bliss of Jenny Jones twice a day, right after Judge Judy.
Rating: 
Summary: Cool concept -- really works!
Review: Never has history been so fun, or so understandable. Gonick really adds substance to dates and facts and his subtle humor can really make you question about long-held beliefs you may have had. I will admit that at times, the book seems a little stretched thin, as if he's hurrying to get through everything, but on the whole, Cartoon History of the Universe allows the student of history to gain a quick insight to the events that shaped our world.
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Summary: Another great book in the series
Review: Not as interesting as the first one, but it still has its great parts, which is almost all of it. If you want your kids to learn about history, you probably can't do better than this. It does show a bit of cartoon blood and such, but history *is* violent! He does a good job of keeping most of it low-key though, although some parts are very gory in a cartoony way. I highly recommend this, along with the other two books.
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