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History of the World (Updated) Audiobook
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(3.03) - 469 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In his monumental History of the World, J. M. Roberts delivered a powerful vision of human history as a story of change, a deliberate shaping of experience and environment. This revised and updated edition takes into account the great range of events and discoveries that have altered our views on everything from early civilizations to post–Cold War globalism. Large portions of the text have been rewritten.
Roberts' view of history is exceptional in its global and comprehensive nature as it shows the development of different civilizations through the ages, from our origins on the African savannah to the modern world in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Like no other book, this History of the World succeeds in conveying the staggering diversity of the human experience.
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"Easily the best and most clearly thought out history book I've read. Hard going, as there is so much information in 10 pages, you'll feel like you've read a whole book. Essential reading fopr anyone who desires a greater understanding of our place on the planet and how we arrived where we are today."
— Hayes (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Epic yet readable.”
— Philadelphia Inquirer -
“Roberts is wise as well as witty…Anyone who wants an outline grasp of history, the core of all subjects, can grasp it here.”
— Economist -
“Intelligently organized, insightful, and balanced, it makes a fine addition to any library.”
— Christian Science Monitor -
“Roberts presents the human story in a style that is easy to absorb…Useful to both students and the general reader with an interest in history.”
— Library Journal
History of the World (Updated) Listener Reviews
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" Basically a comprehensive guide to history. It's main fault is in its lack of energy, or interesting moments that give personality to history. This book won't make you fall in love with history, but it will give you some context and a timeline. "
— George, 1/14/2014 -
" A good book to get a high level overview of important phases of history, or the entire history of man, if you so choose. But to read the whole thing would be dizzing. i just read the chapters on the "classical mediterranean," which includes Greece, Alexander the Great, Rome, and the fall of the empire to the barbarians. I also read the beginning chapters on how man evolved from apes to humans who build civilizations and the first civilizations, such as Sumer. I enjoy reading about the passage of vast swaths of time, like how it took hundreds of thousands of years for man to evolve, or how agriculture shows up in 10000 BC and it takes 7000 years for a real civilization to organize. If the US were to crumble in a hundred years, a future author writing a similarly expansive history book would barely devote a paragraph to the 300 years we've been around. "
— Dan, 11/20/2013 -
" This is a very good survey and has turned me on to reading more detailed histories from several eras. I really like this book "
— David, 11/3/2013 -
" why am i making a list of books i'm trying to finish instead of reading them? i don't understand this. but here I am. this is an overview of history. now that i'm past ancient and classical history, it is tending to be very white-o-centric and unabashedly pro-free market. but it is an overview, and I need an overview badly, so it'll do. i can't wait to read the new harry potter! "
— D., 11/2/2013 -
" I thought this was an interesting, well-written, concise (though thick) history of all the stuff that I felt like I should have known but had never been able to piece together. "
— Dax, 10/8/2013 -
" I'm obsessed with this 1,200 page beauty. It's been amazing to study the History of the world again! "
— Andrew, 8/16/2013 -
" Another in the long line of books that I just can't get through. Well-written and deeply researched, every paragraph is so thick I find myself struggling to get through it. Perhaps at another time I will have the what ever it takes to get through this one. "
— Jimt43, 8/7/2013 -
" A good little read to recap on a little history "
— Louisa, 7/18/2013 -
" I've made this my project for the remainder of the year. It is a broad and vast overview of world history. Well written and exceedingly interesting. "
— Joe, 7/7/2013 -
" Excellent overview of history. Should be in everyone's read list. "
— Hugh, 3/18/2012 -
" Best buy @ Booksale Sm Sta Mesa. for only 180php. Paper back in good condition. Reading History is like going back to my roots.I am planning to teach a subject that is so close to my heart. Social Science is still my element after all. "
— Ann, 4/25/2010 -
" This book is brilliant, and really well written. Been interesting from the first page. "
— Richard, 9/30/2009 -
" I have marked this as 'read' - however I'll admit I haven't totally read it. Its basically an Encyclopedia, so its not really one you would snuggle in bed with! A fabulous way to re-educate yourself (or newly educate!) with the stuff you ignored in high school ;) "
— MrsF, 9/29/2009 -
" Knap overzicht, een hele krachttoer maar wat zwaar op de hand. De universele blik is tot op het eind volgehouden, maar Europa overheerst; dat is meteen de rode draad en de slotconclusie van het boek. "
— Marc, 7/23/2009 -
" I keep dipping in and out of this, for reference. "
— Simon, 7/29/2008 -
" Nice introduction to world history for the novice who spent all his time growing up reading science and anything but history. "
— Bryan, 5/6/2006 -
" I guess if your limited to one volume you have to cut corners. Too bad they didn't cut the evolutionist corner out! "
— Jeff, 9/25/2005
About J. M. Roberts
J. M. Roberts (1928–2003) was born in England and educated at Oxford. After National Service, he returned to Oxford as a fellow. He held posts in the United States at Princeton and Columbia universities, among others. He was general editor of The New Oxford History of England and authored several influential books of history.
About Frederick Davidson
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.