A Short History of the World

Rating:
Summary: Great Book....Tells us everything concisely
Review: This is a great book for people who do not have the time or inclination to sift through lengthy and difficult history books. The book begins with the birth of humankind and ends in the modern times. It touches all major events which created and shaped history. Excellent resource and reference.

Rating:
Summary: A good overview of human history. Well done
Review: This is a perfect book for those who want to explore the breadth of human history without getting bog down in too much detail about any one particular time. Professor Roberts has a crisp, clean flowing approach that keeps the reader constantly involved and interested in what is happening. For those who are starting out and want a good general view so that they may determine the exact areas of history they would like to explore more thoroughly, a better synopsis of world history does not exist. Professor Roberts, although English, does not play favoritism in editorializing more favorably his own homeland's part in world history. On the contrary, he seems to have an uncanny ability to be evenhanded in his approach. Even where you would think the temptation would be great to express ones own agenda the author does not succumb. The sign of a good writer and a true passion for his own subject matter he does not let the statement of facts without editorial comment detract from the readers interest. If you have an interest in history you will have no problem reading all 513 pages from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book.. great language and style.
Review: This is the one of the best history books I have ever read. The crowning glory of this book is that the author manages to give a whole picture of world history without going into pedantic details about dates and battles. I mean, this is not the book you should read if you want to learn by heart the names of all Roman emperors. But if you want to get an overview, a holistic picture of world history right through to the nineties, this book is a great investment. Plus, Mr. Roberts' language is excellent and his style engaging.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent summary of world history
Review: When I first picked up this book, I wondered how well the author could retell all of human history in a mere 513 pages. After reading it, I still wonder how it could have been done. Most major events in history are covered, and covered well. I found this volume imminently readable and written in a concise, flowing prose that enticed me to continue on. I feel now that I must read Roberts' complete history to fully enjoy his historical narrative. This book is a must for all students of world history.