• Empire

  • A New History of the World: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Civilizations
  • By: Paul Strathern
  • Narrated by: Elliot Fitzpatrick
  • Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (31 ratings)

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Empire  By  cover art

Empire

By: Paul Strathern
Narrated by: Elliot Fitzpatrick
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Publisher's summary

A dazzling new history of the world told through the 10 major empires of human civilization.

Eminent historian Paul Strathern opens the story of Empire with the Akkadian civilization, which ruled over a vast expanse of the region of ancient Mesopotamia, then turns to the immense Roman Empire, where we trace back our Western and Eastern roots.

Next the narrative describes how a great deal of Western Classical culture was developed in the Abbasid and Umayyid Caliphates. Then, while Europe was beginning to emerge from a period of cultural stagnation, it almost fell to a whirlwind invasion from the East, at which point we meet the Emperors of the Mongol Empire...

Combining breathtaking scope with masterful narrative control, Strathern traces these connections across four millennia and sheds new light on these major civilizations - from the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty to the Aztec and Ottoman, through to the most recent and biggest empires: the British, Russo-Soviet, and American.

Charting five thousand years of global history in 10 lucid chapters, Empire is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the history of the world.

©2020 Paul Strathern (P)2020 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A good overview for a beginner

A good high level interview marred by a few mistakes - Treaty of Westphalia was in 1648 not 1668; Mexican American War ended in 1848 not 1847. The newcomer may still enjoy it. The more experienced will likely not be satisfied. Moves at a brisk pace.

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Wishy washy

Vague, unfocused, big picture history. The author cherry picks anecdotes to make sweeping claims and can't stay on subject.

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