Author Description
Imagine the planet, as if from an immense distance of time and space, as a galactic observer might see it—with the kind of objectivity that we, who are enmeshed in our history, can´t attain. The Oxford Illustrated History of the World encompasses the whole span of human history. It brings together some of the world's leading historians, under the expert guidance of Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, to tell the 200,000-year story of our world, from the emergence of homo sapiens through to the twenty-first century: the environmental convulsions; the interplay of ideas (good and bad); the cultural phases and exchanges; the collisions and collaborations in politics; the successions of states and empires; the unlocking of energy; the evolutions of economies; the contacts, conflicts, and contagions that have all contributed to making the world we now inhabit.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the comprehensive trajectory of human development across 200,000 years, seeking to provide an objective, planetary-scale perspective on the forces that have shaped modern civilization. Edited by historian Felipe Fernández-Armesto, the text synthesizes contributions from a diverse group of scholars to examine the environmental, political, and cultural shifts that define the human experience. The framework prioritizes long-term historical trends over localized narratives, utilizing a global lens to connect disparate eras and geographic regions.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A chronological survey of human history from the emergence of homo sapiens to the twenty-first century
- Analysis of environmental, economic, and political factors influencing global development
- Examination of cultural exchanges, state successions, and the evolution of energy usage
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide exhaustive detail on specific regional histories or minor political events
- It avoids deep-dive biographical focus in favor of broad, systemic historical patterns
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and readers frequently note the ambitious scale of this volume, often citing it as a useful synthesis for those seeking a high-level overview of human history. Experts highlight the text's ability to integrate complex environmental and social data into a cohesive, readable narrative for a general audience.
Page Count:
493
Publication Date:
2019-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191067202
ISBN-13:
9780191067204
History
Non-Fiction
Special Topics
World history
Reference
Anthropology
World Civilization
Civilization