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A Little History of the World

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A Little History of the World

By: E. H. Gombrich
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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About this listen

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, twenty-six-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success. It is now an international bestseller and available in almost thirty languages across the world.

In forty concise chapters, Gombrich tells the story of man from the Stone Age to the atomic bomb. In between emerges a colorful picture of wars and conquests, grand works of art, and the spread and limitations of science. This is a text dominated not by dates and facts but by the sweep of mankind’s experience across the centuries, a guide to humanity’s achievements and an acute witness to its frailties. The product of a generous and humane sensibility, this timeless account makes intelligible the full span of human history.

©1985 DuMont Literatur und Kunst Verlag GmbH und Co. KG, Cologne, Germany. English translation 2005 Leonie Gombrich (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc. History & Culture Young Adult War Heartfelt Imperialism Ancient History France Crusade Interwar Period

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Critic reviews

"A lovely, lively historical survey....A fine conception and summarizing of the world's checkered past for young and old." (Kirkus Reviews)
"A remarkable book, written in an amiable, conversational style....This resurrected history deserves reading for all its delights." (The New York Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
... but just more fascinating for it. Some western cruelty is skipped, but not without mention. Quite enjoyable!

Simplified and from another time

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We have come a long way and our journey continues.
I learnt a lot

Spectacular

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Great narrator. Fluid history that allow you to do other things whilst keeping your brain entertained.
Food for thought

Wonderful time travel

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This was a very gentle overview of mostly western history (there is some focus on China, The Middle East and Africa but not a huge amount) , starting from earliest civilization to the 2nd world war, it introduces names, events and concepts with a confident fluidity designed to engage younger readers however, if you're interested in getting into history in general this is a great starting point, it will give you familiarity with eras and individuals you can take a deeper look into yourself at a later point- it's always helpful knowing who and when to look for first!
well read and companionable, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommended!

Lovely summary of mostly western history

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Loved the reading and the flow of the events, it’s captivating not boring as most history books are

Brilliant book a must for everyone

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An almost perfect audiobook. The style is a little old fashioned and reflects an earlier age. However this is only a minor quibble about a classic history that has an incredible scope. It provides an essential perspective for any time.

Enlightening and Humane

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Beautifully narrated but, due to its age this is something of an old-fashioned and dated history.
Some of the chapters to overly reverential of certain historical figures, conquering behaviour and Judeo-Christianity in general.
As an overview of world history however, it is suitable for children and is actually a really nice book — a potted history of what’s happened in the past written by someone who clearly cared that children learned something they can understand.
Despite some reservations about the content I recommend this as a listenable and engaging audiobook.
I learned a lot myself and it gives a digestible timeline for many complex periods of history.

A thoughtful overview, of mainly Western, history kids

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very interesting, a brief but insightful story if human mind, well worth a listen and the narrator doesn't suck either

5 stars

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Spot on, I loved it to bits. It's like a good friend who talked about history

Amazing

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I loved this Little History. Although it was written some time ago it felt relevant and so many characters and events of history that I had vaguely heard about were put into context and made sense. The narration was excellent and contributed to such an enjoyable and easy listen. I'm hoping to listen to it a few times. Just great.

Extremely enjoyable

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