vulturetime's review
Not rating this because this was not the book I was expecting to come (I meant to they the non-illustrated version that is 1) longer and 2) not aimed toward children). I suppose this one would be a good overview.
jeremychiasson's review against another edition
4.0
In this beautifully illustrated edition, Frankopan offers a major perspective shift on the history of the world. He wants us to shift the center of our historical focus from the West, to the Silk Roads (the web of networks where the cultures of the people from East and West first met).
It is a refreshing view, and is much more helpful with understanding the historical underpinnings of the world today (particularly in the Middle East). By looking at the intersecting points of the world's cultures, it is easier to see how trade routes, conquest, the spread of philosophical ideas, have shaped our world.
The book is well-organized, with each chapter moving the chronology forward, but also examining a new theme (The Road to Slaves, The Road to Islam, etc.).
I would highly recommend it!
It is a refreshing view, and is much more helpful with understanding the historical underpinnings of the world today (particularly in the Middle East). By looking at the intersecting points of the world's cultures, it is easier to see how trade routes, conquest, the spread of philosophical ideas, have shaped our world.
The book is well-organized, with each chapter moving the chronology forward, but also examining a new theme (The Road to Slaves, The Road to Islam, etc.).
I would highly recommend it!
gayathirir312's review against another edition
4.0
I had no idea this was supposed to be a children's book when I got it but I enjoyed the illustrations a lot.The prose is easy to understand.This is one of the most beautiful history books I have ever read.
The title is somewhat misleading as it says "New History of the World" but the author mainly deals with the past events.
The book isn't very deep,written for children basically and I will be reading "The New Silk Roads:The Present and Future of the World" by the same author later.
This book is highly readable and it was an enjoyable read and somehow I find it difficult to agree with the author in the last chapter that the Silk Roads are opening up again in the modern world.
The title is somewhat misleading as it says "New History of the World" but the author mainly deals with the past events.
The book isn't very deep,written for children basically and I will be reading "The New Silk Roads:The Present and Future of the World" by the same author later.
This book is highly readable and it was an enjoyable read and somehow I find it difficult to agree with the author in the last chapter that the Silk Roads are opening up again in the modern world.
opheliastephanie's review against another edition
5.0
A superb introduction to history for 11+ year olds. Depth and breadth achieved. Fantastic vocabulary and definitely provokes assumptions
amy_h_45's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! If you’re looking for a book to help fill in the gaps in your junior high/9-10th graders world history education (or, let’s face it, the gaps in your own education!) this is a great place to start. It’s a very high level, not extremely detailed read. A child could easily use this to discover historical periods or events that are interesting to them, that they would want to learn even more about. Highly recommended!
roxana020's review against another edition
4.0
Abunda in informatii si aduce o perspectiva curioasa asupra lucrurilor. Este interesant sa descoperi cum ochii Europei au fost de fapt mereu spre est, iar interesele lumii au stat meru acolo.
Autorul insista insa sa găsească modele chiar si acolo unde nu sunt, pe final titlurile capitolelor si informariile din ele nu se mai sustin, iar unule citate si amanunte sunt de prisos si incarca inutil.
Autorul insista insa sa găsească modele chiar si acolo unde nu sunt, pe final titlurile capitolelor si informariile din ele nu se mai sustin, iar unule citate si amanunte sunt de prisos si incarca inutil.
myriame's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful illustrated book. It made learning the Silk Roads history so enjoyable. It is probably one of the best books I was gifted. The simple narrative style works wonderfully with Neil Packer’s stunning illustrations. I actually learned a lot and was able to write down surprising historical facts that still affect our lives today. They are deeply rooted in the development historical worldwide trade roads that helped precious products (gold, silver, pearls, spices), as well as knowledge, sciences and beliefs, go from one part of the world to the other... all that before the comfort of our modern life.
One important thing this book illustrated perfectly is how the intellectual and economic glory of the current Western world has nothing to do with innate privilege. Its history is a story of invasion, theft and genocide, from the Americas to the conflicted Middle-Eastern region and Africa. Violence had a lot to do with the current gap between « developed » and emerging countries.
One important thing this book illustrated perfectly is how the intellectual and economic glory of the current Western world has nothing to do with innate privilege. Its history is a story of invasion, theft and genocide, from the Americas to the conflicted Middle-Eastern region and Africa. Violence had a lot to do with the current gap between « developed » and emerging countries.