A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor

A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor is an ambitious and complex book that attempts to tell an expansive history of our planet using 100 tangible and iconic objects. MacGregor, the former director of the British Museum, has identified a diverse selection of objects to provide a narrative for humanity’s journey from the Stone Age to the present. Each of the 100 objects in this book has been chosen for its special ability to reflect a particular moment in history, as well as its story-telling power to connect the present with the past.

The book starts off with a description of the earliest known human-made objects from 70,000 BC, exploring the development of communication, technology, and power, and how it affected humans’ views of the world. The Stone Age is represented by tools, weapons, and artifacts, such as the handaxe, which evokes the power of human hands to manipulate the objects around them and shape their environment. The book then examines the development of agriculture and settlements, evidenced by an early grain storage vessel from a Neolithic village.

The emergence of cities is represented by objects such as the Sumerian Ram in a Thicket, which dates back to the third millennium BC. This object is seen to represent the emerging power of cities, dominated by kings, gods, and their sacred objects that hinted at the potential of the written word. The book moves through a series of empires and civilizations, exploring the development of new technologies and political systems, as well as religion and faith. Eventually, the journey takes us to explore the rise of the modern nation-state, beginning with the Head of Augustus from around 27 BC.

Throughout the book, MacGregor carefully examines the complex stories intertwined in each object and its significance in the grand history of our world. For instance, the Rosetta Stone is examined to tell the story of the decipherment of hieroglyphics and the understanding of Egyptian history. Also included is the Samurai Sword from 18th century Japan, which invokes the importance of samurai code and the role of ritual in Japanese society.

In conclusion, A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor is a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of humanity’s past through tangible objects. MacGregor’s selection is diverse and interesting, and each item is examined in detail in order to create an engaging narrative. The stories revealed by the objects are thought provoking and often surprising, hinting at the complex and interconnected nature of our world’s past. Altogether, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the events and stories that belong to human history, and provides a fascinating glimpse into our shared human experience.