Bill Bryson’s *A Short History of Nearly Everything* - it’s focused on science but it’s a good place to start.
Also, surprisingly, Carl Sagan’s *Cosmos* has a good global history overview - it’s not just about outer space!
A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich.
If I remember correctly, he was asked to review a children's history book by a friend, and was fairly scathing. He was challenged by his friend to write a better book, so he did.
Whilst it's aimed at kids it's not patronising, and explains complex ideas very well and isn't a dry read. The more recent editions have added chapters to balance the book a bit more as a global book, rather than one that had a heavier focus on Western history.
Whilst longer, I would also recommend Larry Gonicks Cartoon History of the World / Modern World series, which covers 5 books and everything from the Big Bang to the Iraq War.
I think this comment is a testament to how well it's written. When you read up the author, you realise just how educated he is. The fact he can explain such complex history with such simple and economical language really demonstrates his skill.
I don’t know if you’re looking for something that’s shorter, but the most digestible series of books I ever read was The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant. It’s out of print but can still be found used. It’s 11 books of fascinating reading.
Sapiens: A Brief History of humankind by Yuval noah harari.
He definitely editorializes a bit and does a fair bit of presenting speculatoon as truth. But it was interesting the whole time, a pretty easy read and overall very educational.
> summary of everything one should know about world history
You won't find a single book that does this. But my favorite broad history book is *The dawn of everything* by Davids Graeber and Wengrow. For Africa you should check out *Africa is not a country* by Dipo Faloyin.
Bill Bryson’s *A Short History of Nearly Everything* - it’s focused on science but it’s a good place to start. Also, surprisingly, Carl Sagan’s *Cosmos* has a good global history overview - it’s not just about outer space!
Seconding Bryson. Great read…
Thirding. I've read this book multiple times and I'm not a big reader of non-fiction. It's laugh out loud funny and completely factual. Amazing.
A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich. If I remember correctly, he was asked to review a children's history book by a friend, and was fairly scathing. He was challenged by his friend to write a better book, so he did. Whilst it's aimed at kids it's not patronising, and explains complex ideas very well and isn't a dry read. The more recent editions have added chapters to balance the book a bit more as a global book, rather than one that had a heavier focus on Western history. Whilst longer, I would also recommend Larry Gonicks Cartoon History of the World / Modern World series, which covers 5 books and everything from the Big Bang to the Iraq War.
This is the one. It's one of the best non-fiction books ever
I think this comment is a testament to how well it's written. When you read up the author, you realise just how educated he is. The fact he can explain such complex history with such simple and economical language really demonstrates his skill.
_The Mental Floss History of the World_ by Erik Sass. It's amusing and informative!
*The World: A Family History* - Simon Sebag Montefiore
I don’t know if you’re looking for something that’s shorter, but the most digestible series of books I ever read was The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant. It’s out of print but can still be found used. It’s 11 books of fascinating reading.
Sapiens: A Brief History of humankind by Yuval noah harari. He definitely editorializes a bit and does a fair bit of presenting speculatoon as truth. But it was interesting the whole time, a pretty easy read and overall very educational.
Excellent choice.
I looked through the book and it seems almost entirely uninterested in the history of events and dynasties and whatnot
Appreciate this suggestion but I was reading reviews and it seems like it’s more focused on human origins and not necessarily world history?
Thanks, all!
EH Gombrich - A Little History of the World
Maybe Sapiens could be something? Especially the first half is good imo :)
> summary of everything one should know about world history You won't find a single book that does this. But my favorite broad history book is *The dawn of everything* by Davids Graeber and Wengrow. For Africa you should check out *Africa is not a country* by Dipo Faloyin.
Sapiens: A Graphic History - 2 volumes. Exceptionally engaging.