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A Little History of the World

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( 31,083 ratings, 2,935 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Little History of the World by E. H. Gombrich offers a delightful journey through global history, capturing key moments and figures from ancient times to the mid-20th century. Gombrich's narrative brings to life the stories of humanity in an engaging and accessible manner, making it an ideal read for those seeking a concise overview of world history with a touch of wit and insight.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through the ages, as this book elegantly weaves together tales of great civilisations, iconic figures, and pivotal events. You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by history and love absorbing stories that are both educational and engaging. Its narrative style appeals to readers young and old, offering a delightful and accessible introduction to human history.

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In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in six weeks, and "Eine kurze Weltgeschichte fur junge Leser" was published in Vienna. This book presents his history to English-language readers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-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 fรผr junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in twenty-five 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 colourful 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.

Series: Little Histories

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  • A Little History of the World
    In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-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 fรผr junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in twenty-five...
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  • A Little History of the World
    A special edition of the international bestseller that is โ€œsumptuously illustrated. . . . Perfect for reading to alert and curious children, but itโ€™s even better as a secret pleasure, read alone, with no children in sight.โ€ (Philip Kennicott, Washington Post) E. H. Gombrichโ€™s A Little History of the World, an engaging and lively book written for readers both young...
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  • A Little History of the World
    The internationally bestselling guide to the extraordinary human story, for the curious of all ages. The world has existed for over 4 billion years, but humanity arrived much more recently. Here, E. H. Gombrich brings to life the full story of human experience on Earth. He paints a colourful picture of remarkable people and events, from Confucius to Catherine the...
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  • A Little History of Poetry
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  • A Little History of Art
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

E. H. Gombrichโ€™s A Little History of the World is praised for its engaging narrative that spans from prehistory to the 20th century, making history accessible to both children and adults. Reviewers highlight Gombrich's brilliant storytelling, vivid imagery, and humanistic values, which bring a sense of continuity to historical events. The book's charming and conversational style is often compared to a fairy tale, making it a delightful read that appeals to a wide audience, both for its educational value and entertainment.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300108835

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 13 October 2005

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 40 b-w illus.

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Clifford Harper

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 472g

Pages: 304

About the Author

E. H. Gombrich (1909โ€“2001) was the author of many works, including the international bestsellers The Story of Art and Art and Illusion. He was director of the Warburg Institute of the University of London from 1959 to 1976.

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  • A Little History of the World
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