A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum
Published by Viking Books, an imprint of Penguin
In 2010, the British Museum and the BBC teamed up to attempt to tell the entire history of the entire world in a mere 100 objects. Now, in addition to being available as an audiobook of the radio show, the director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, has put it all in book form, so that the discussions of the artifact and its importance in world history is accompanied by a photograph of said artifact.
I haven’t had a chance to go through the entire book yet, because it is the sort of thing you dip in and out of, but what I have read is amazing. I just couldn’t wait to share this, in case it would be the perfect holiday present for someone (I was planning to ask for it, personally, before I happened to win it in a giveaway).
Not only are the breadth of objects and the depth of discussion impressive, but so is the organization. There are 20 parts, each with 5 items discussed. Each part has a theme like “Empire Builders” or “Rise of World Faiths” and a time period. The artifacts are grouped in order to impart increased context and meaning, and the discussions often refer back to one of the earlier objects in that part. This allows the artifacts to be discussed in relation to one another, without losing the reader by referencing something 20 objects ago that may have been forgotten or not even read about.
A History of the World in 100 Objects is a great conversation piece, but it is also an incredibly fascinating book for those fascinated in history and world civilizations.
Very highly recommended, a fantastic holiday gift for history nerds!
Buy this book from:
Powells | Indiebound*
Buy this audiobook from:
Powells | Indiebound*
Source: Publisher giveaway.
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That sounds like just the kind of book I love to thumb through when I’m bored and fidgety. It does sound fascinating!
I have a few history nerds on my shopping list. Thanks for this review. I’m quite curious myself as to what would represent our society. The telephone for sure.
Oh, this sounds really cool. I am adding it to my list. The guy would probably like it, too.
This sounds really interesting. What a unique way to present history! I’m going to keep an eye out for it.
Huh. This sounds like something that maybe my dad would like. I really want to find it in a bookstore and see if for myself…
I am reading this right now too. Did you see the Warren Cup? This presents history in a not boring way.
I do have this on my wish list. I really enjoyed listening to this series (podcast is still available for download through BBC’s podcast site), and looking up the featured items on the site.
Adding this to my TBR list. I like books like this and since it is so tidy in organization of the objects it will be even more enjoyable for me. Thanks for sharing!