H. G. Wells' Short History of The World (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. The Beginnings of Life, The Age of Mammals, The Neanderthal and the Rhodesian Man, Primitive ThoughtBy H. G. Wells
Length13h 50m
About this audiobook
H. G. Wells' Short History of the World is a sweeping work of popular historical synthesis, carrying the reader from the formation of the earth and the rise of early life to ancient civilizations, empires, revolutions, and the turbulent modern age after the First World War. Written in Wells's lucid, brisk, and democratic prose, it belongs to the early twentieth-century tradition of universal history, seeking patterns across science, anthropology, politics, and culture rather than merely recounting dynasties and battles. Wells, best known for his scientific romances and prophetic social imagination, was also a committed public intellectual shaped by evolutionary theory, socialism, and the catastrophes of modern warfare. His background in science under T. H. Huxley and his lifelong concern with education and world governance inform the book's expansive method. He wrote history not as antiquarian ornament, but as a tool for cultivating global consciousness. This book is recommended to readers seeking an accessible yet intellectually ambitious introduction to world history. Though some judgments reflect its period, its breadth, urgency, and humane purpose remain compelling, especially for those interested in how history can illuminate humanity's shared destiny.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreHistory
Length13 hrs 50 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 22, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
Show all chaptersShow less
6H. G. Wells' Short History of The World
7I. The World in Space
8II. The World in Time
9III. The Beginnings of Life
10IV. The Age of Fishes
11V. The Age of the Coal Swamps
12VI. The Age of Reptiles
13VII. The First Birds and the First Mammals
14VIII. The Age of Mammals
15IX. Monkeys, Apes and Sub-Men
16X. The Neanderthaler and the Rhodesian Man
17XI. The First True Men
18XII. Primitive Thought
19XIII. The Beginnings of Cultivation
20XIV. Primitive Neolithic Civilizations
21XV. Sumeria, Early Egypt and Writing
22XVI. Primitive Nomadic Peoples
23XVII. The First Seagoing Peoples
24XVIII. Egypt, Babylon and Assyria
25XIX. The Primitive Aryans
26XX. The Last Babylonian Empire and the Empire of Darius I
27XXI. The Early History of the Jews
28XXII. Priests and Prophets in Judea
29XXIII. The Greeks
30XXIV. The Wars of the Greeks and Persians
31XXV. The Splendour of Greece
32XXVI. The Empire of Alexander the Great
33XXVII. The Museum and Library at Alexandria
34XXVIII. The Life of Gautama Buddha
35XXIX. King Asoka
36XXX. Confucius and Lao Tse
37XXXI. Rome Comes Into History
38XXXII. Rome and Carthage
39XXXIII. The Growth of the Roman Empire
40XXXIV. Between Rome and China
41XXXV. The Common Man’s Life Under the Early Roman Empire
42XXXVI. Religious Developments Under the Roman Empire
43XXXVII. The Teaching of Jesus
44XXXVIII. The Development of Doctrinal Christianity
45XXXIX. The Barbarians Break the Empire Into East and West
46XL. The Huns and the End of the Western Empire
47XLI. The Byzantine and Sassanid Empires
48XLII. The Dynasties of Suy and Tang in China
49XLIII. Muhammad and Islam
50XLIV. The Great Days of the Arabs
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