A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich

Ernst Gombrich's A Little History of the World is an accessible and entertaining history book for readers of all ages. Since its first publication in 1936, the book has become one of the most widely read educational books of all time.

Gombrich's book is divided into five parts. The first part covers the history of the world from the creation of the universe up to the fall of the Roman Empire. It discusses the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Persian civilizations and explores the origins of the modern world. Gombrich also includes a thorough overview of some of the major philosophical and religious movements of the Ancient World, such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Christianity.

Part two begins with the fall of the Roman Empire and explains how the Christian religion spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, leading to the growth of the medieval period. It covers the development of feudalism, the rise of the nation-state, the emergence of science and the Enlightenment, and much more.

Part three covers the history of humanity from the 1700s up to the First World War. It covers the Industrial Revolution, the American and French Revolutions, and important aspects of the rise of the nation-state, such as the establishment of a written constitution.

Part four shifts focus to the first half of the twentieth century and covers the economic crisis and political turmoil caused by the First World War. It also covers the Russian Revolution, the birth of modern Russia, and the interwar period.

The fifth and final part covers the Second World War and the aftermath of the conflict. Gombrich also discusses the spread of imperialism, the emergence of the United Nations, and the creation of the European Union.

In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of world history, Gombrich's book also includes several detailed maps, diagrams, and illustrations to help readers further understand the topics discussed.

All in all, A Little History of the World is an informative and entertaining book that provides a fascinating look at some of the most important events in the history of our species. Gombrich's engaging writing style and thoughtful analysis gives readers an accessible and informative introduction to some of the most important developments in world history. This unique book is perfect for readers of all ages who want to gain a deeper understanding of human history.