A Little History of the World

A special edition of the international bestseller that is “sumptuously illustrated. . . . Perfect for reading to alert and curious children, but it’s even better as a secret pleasure, read alone, with no children in sight.” (Philip Kennicott, Washington Post)
 
E. H. Gombrich’s A Little History of the World, an engaging and lively book written for readers both young and old, vividly brings the full span of human experience on Earth to life, from the stone age to the atomic age. Gombrich’s text paints a colorful picture of wars and conquests; of grand works of art; of the advances and limitations of science; of remarkable people and remarkable events.
 
But Gombrich was, first and foremost, the best-known art historian of his time; his beloved Little History suggests illustrations on every page. Featuring more than two hundred illustrations—most in color—this beautiful edition incorporates a wide range of images, showing us the earliest cave paintings, the classic sculptures of the ancient Greeks, beautiful Islamic calligraphy, oil portraits of the mighty through the ages, and much more. With a high-grade design, fine paper, and classic binding, this enhanced edition will have an important place on family bookshelves for many years to come.

“"Written for children, this book is a source of entertainment and revision for adults too. Devoid of pretension and condescension it demonstrates how fluid communication between the generations can be. Without resorting to technical jargon or a raft of dates Gombrich has produced a text that appeals to all ages and inspires further reading… Entertaining, information and enlightening, it will send the reader on a voyage of (re)discovery of the great story of our world."-Elizabeth Reid, Kensington Magazine”

“Sumptuously illustrated. . . . Perfect for reading to alert and curious children, but it’s even better as a secret pleasure, read alone, with no children in sight.”—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post

“His enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible. . . . With Gombrich’s Little History, at last available in English, there will be many generations of future historians who will attribute to it their lifelong passion for history—and for truth.”—Lisa Jardine, Times (UK)

“In simple, vivid prose, Gombrich surveys the human past from pre-history to his own time. . . . Lucky children will have this book read to them. Intelligent adults will read it for themselves and regain contact with the spirit of European humanism at its best.”—Anthony Grafton, Wall Street Journal

“A remarkable book, written in an amiable, conversational style, effortlessly explaining, without condescension, difficult matters like the achievements of Charlemagne, the monetary system of medieval Europe and the ideas of the Enlightenment. . . . This resurrected history deserves reading for all its delights.”—Edward Rothstein, New York Times

“A Little History of the World by E. H. Gombrich is a bedtime treat to share with my two children and proof that brilliance and perspicacity needn’t be stuffy.”—Bettany Hughes, The Times

“I am going to buy ten copies of this book and give it to my ten favourite children. . . . This is a book which teaches what it is to be civilised by its very tone, which is one of gentleness, curiosity and erudition.”—A. N. Wilson, Times Literary Supplement

“A marvellous antidote to history without chronology: the whole experience of human history, from prehistory to the Second World War, compressed into a flowing narrative. . . . [Gombrich] excels in creating a sense of the continuities of history—the ways in which human nature has not budged over the millennium, and the smallness of the differences between people. A delight.”—Robert Hanks, Daily Telegraph

“Gombrich opens with the most magical definition of history I have ever read. . . . Tolerance, reason and humanity . . . suffuse every page of the Little History.”—Amanda Vickery, Guardian Review

“A work firmly aimed at educating young readers. . . . [I] marvelled at Gombrich’s uncomplicated presentation and brilliantly digestible prose when grappling with such awe-inspiring subject matter.”—Oliver Barker, Art Newspaper

“Delightful . . . charming.”—PopMatters

“Ostensibly a book for children, designed to present a chronology of world history, but it’s a delight for all ages. The pages sparkle with the learned author’s wit and wisdom—and reading them, one feels as if Gombrich, one of the greatest ever art historians, is guiding one through time with a grandfatherly gleam in his eye.”—Ben Schott, The Observer

". . . the main body of the book retains an irresistible, boyish energy and enthusiasm. . . . Here, in this little book are answers to many of the questions you never dared to ask."—Margaret Drabble, New Statesman

". . . an engrossing kaleidoscopic account of global history from the ancient Egyptians to the Treaty of Versailles."—Tristram Hunt, BBC History Magazine

“A joyful book.”—Richard Aldous, Irish Times

"It certainly couldn't be done more agreeably. . . . a perfect birthday present for a child with an enquiring mind. I wish it had been available when I was young."—Allan Massie, Literary Review

"Written for children, this book is a source of entertainment and revision for adults too. Devoid of pretension and condescension it demonstrates how fluid communication between the generations can be. Without resorting to technical jargon or a raft of dates Gombrich has produced a text that appeals to all ages and inspires further reading. . . . Entertaining, information and enlightening, it will send the reader on a voyage of (re)discovery of the great story of our world."—Elizabeth Reid, Kensington Magazine

"This is a lovely book which would be a fine addition to any bookshelf. Or better still, plonked into the lap of the nearest child."—Trevor Heaton, Eastern Daily Express (Saturday Magazine)

"A perennial favourite, this is the illustrated edition of Gombrich’s brilliant history and contains 200 pictures, nearly all of them full colour."—Sonali Chapman, The Oldie

"Now in a new fully illustrated format could there be any better book to inspire the historians of tomorrow?. . . . We will all want this elegiac, deceptively simple and elegant history. . . . a lovely piece of book production. . . . Yale has done the author proud, producing something that, in the age of electronic publishing, shows just what’s so special about the printed book."—Sue Baker, Lovereading

"Beautifully produced, with elegant typeface and spacious design, this edition will keep old and young enthralled. A Timeless gift!"—The Good Book Guide

"Every household should have this book. . . . enriching and enhancing. . . . It makes for an excellent introduction to the world’s history for knowledge-thirsty teenagers and upwards."—Mary Lussiana, Country & Town House (Books of the Year)

". . . wonderful . . ."—Charlie Higson, Mail on Sunday (Christmas Books)

"Christmas gift of the year is surely . . . A Little History of the World. This is a magical work for children. . . . Perfect for bedtime reading."—John Banville, Irish Times

"The book is remarkable as an introduction to World history. Its style is unique . . . beautifully designed."—Cassone

"[T]his gem of a book . . . [has] a lovely, personal preface [and] reminds us how clever, eloquent and inspiring an account EH Gombrich gave us for ourselves."—The Independent

“A brilliant piece of narrative, splendidly organised, told with an energy and confidence that are enormously attractive, and suffused with all the humanity and generosity of spirit that Gombrich’s thousands of admirers came to cherish during his long and richly productive life. It’s a wonderful surprise: irresistible, in fact.”—Philip Pullman

“Imagine the full story of human habitation on our planet being told in such flowing prose that you want to read it out loud. If you can’t imagine that, read A Little History of the World and experience it!”—Patricia S. Schroeder, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers and former U.S. Representative from Colorado

E. H. Gombrich (1909–2001) was the author of the international classic The Story of Art. Winner of the Erasmus Prize, the Hegel Prize, the Wittgenstein Prize, and the Goethe Prize, he was admitted to Britain’s highest honor, the Order of Merit, in 1988.

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