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The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind Audiobook
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(3.04) - 485 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Having coined the phrase "the war that will end war," H. G. Wells was disillusioned by the World War I peace settlement. Convinced that humanity needed to awaken to the instability of the world order and remember lessons from the past, the author of numerous science fiction classics set out to write about history. Wells hoped to remind mankind of its common past, provide it with a basis for international patriotism, and guide it to renounce war. The work became immensely popular, earning him world renown and solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential voices of his time.
Topics range from the world before man and the first living things to civilizations, religions, wars, and everything in between. Wells truly covers the whole of human history.
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"My favorite thing about these books is finding other subjects throughout history for further reading. The Crusades, French Revolution, WWI & II. Wells inserts his opinions at times which lessens the text book factor."
— David (4 out of 5 stars)
The Outline of History Listener Reviews
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" Even though the history is technically out of date; I enjoy reading what H.G. Wells had set out to do with his history and how it tries very had not to be euro-centric. "
— Loren, 1/19/2014 -
" Will read more of when I get a good copy to own. Wells would write that sentence better. "
— Liz, 10/28/2013 -
" The best historial narrative I've ever read. Ever. "
— Chris, 9/13/2013 -
" An interesting survey of world history with Wells' biases. "
— Harry, 7/14/2013 -
" Maybe I'm just a big history geek but I couldn't put this down. I found the ancient history the most interesting. "
— Kara, 7/9/2013 -
" I like Wells' perspective on history, one even finds a subtle humor in here. Though large portions of it is now outdated, it is a great piece if you wish to get the zeitgeist of what folks in this age thought of history. "
— John, 3/23/2013 -
" I bought an edition for 25 cents in some old barn of a place. Was pleased to see it in Scott Fitzgerald's education of Sheila. Now it's dated, a bit creaky. But it was fun then, when school seemed all about American history and Rousseau/Marx sort of world history. "
— Alan, 9/23/2012 -
" Intensely valuable from a historiographical perspective. Great read in general "
— Sadie, 3/19/2012 -
" Wells was not only a gifted storyteller, but also an astute student of history. "
— Jeremy, 12/30/2011 -
" I've finished the first volume and am planning to start on the second. It's very good so far. "
— Zelly, 10/18/2011 -
" A great history book if you camember that it was written in 1920 and much history and science has been revised. I read this 30 years ago but my recollections are favorable. "
— John, 10/5/2011 -
" I feel a little smarter. "
— Txgriffith, 8/16/2011 -
" Pretty much out of date, but still, as a Boy's First History, it's okay. "
— Howard, 6/6/2011 -
" I feel a little smarter.<br/> "
— Txgriffith, 5/16/2011 -
" A great history book if you camember that it was written in 1920 and much history and science has been revised. I read this 30 years ago but my recollections are favorable. "
— John, 8/30/2010 -
" An interesting survey of world history with Wells' biases. "
— Harry, 7/3/2010 -
" I've finished the first volume and am planning to start on the second. It's very good so far. "
— Zelly, 8/4/2008 -
" To show how much of a geek I was, I remember reading a copy of this in elementary school! <br/> <br/>Sadly, I'm not sure any elementary school today would have any copies. "
— Terence, 7/11/2008 -
" Even though the history is technically out of date; I enjoy reading what H.G. Wells had set out to do with his history and how it tries very had not to be euro-centric. "
— Loren, 5/17/2008 -
" Wells was not only a gifted storyteller, but also an astute student of history. "
— Jeremy, 5/2/2008
About H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells (1866–1946), born in Bromley, Kent, England, is known as the father of science fiction. He was also a prolific writer in other genres, including contemporary novels, history, and social commentary.
About Bernard Mayes
Bernard Mayes is a teacher, administrator, corporate executive, broadcaster, actor, dramatist, and former international commentator on US culture. He is best known for his readings of historical classics.