Modern Times

The World from the Twenties to the Nineties

By: Paul Johnson

Narrated by: Nadia May

Length: 37 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Named one of the Best Books of the Year in 1983 by the New York Times, this fast-paced, all-encompassing narrative history covers the great events, ideas, and personalities of the six decades following the end of World War I. It offers a full-scale, if controversial, analysis of how the modern age came into being and where it is heading.

Beginning with May 29, 1919, when photographs of the solar eclipse confirmed the truth of Einstein's theory of relativity, Johnson goes on to describe Freudianism, the establishment of the first Marxist state, the chaos of "Old Europe", the Arcadian 20s, and the new forces in China and Japan. Also discussed are Karl Marx, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Roosevelt, Gandhi, Castro, Kennedy, Nixon, the '29 crash, the Great Depression, Roosevelt's New Deal, and the massive conflict of World War II.

©1983 Paul Johnson (P)1988 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Johnson's insights are often brilliant and of value in their startling freshness." (Los Angeles Times)
"Frequently surprises, even startles us with new views of past events and fresh looks at the characters of the chief world movers and shakers, in politics, the military, economics, science, religion, and philosophy of six decades." (The Wall Street Journal)
"Truly a distinguished work of history...Modern Times unites historical and critical consciousness. It is far from being a simple chronicle, though a vast wealth of events and personages and historical changes fill it....We can take a great deal of intellectual pleasure in this book." (The New York Times)

Wow!

Probably the best book available on recent history. The author dispels myths created by Marxist PR machines and devious media throughout the age. Probably not popular among opinion leaders from those two groups.

Two weaknesses:
1. Nadia May was not the best choice. A little difficult to understand at times. Also, the reader needs to be fluent in French to understand the whole book. Perhaps to those in upper classes in England 50 years ago, that was common. Less so now.

2. While revealing the truth, the book focuses on the negative events of the last 100 years. Perhaps all history of the era is a record of civilization marching steadily toward destruction. But some positive events must have occured. Polio eradication? Sliced bread? Proliferation of air conditioning? Something could have been mentioned to relieve the reader from non-stop depressing events.

Despite these, everyone should read it.

Unconventional wisdom

This is a very entertaining history, well read and well recorded. It offers a fresh look at some familiar personalities and events. You might also enjoy The Glory and the Dream by William Manchester.

Good insights, weak narration

Nadia may's voice can not be heard unless turned way up if you're driving on the freeway or working with motor equipment... Other than that call Johnson did out standing except for the parts that he Affirms evolution stupidity

A Clear and Honest History

If you want an honest history of our world since the 1920's (he actually starts earlier) this is it. He explains the reasons behind the actions taken and helps you understand the people involved. As Mr. Johnson is clearly anti-Marxist, some of the history goes against the grain of what is taught as history currently. At first the narration by Nadia May irritated me but I grew to enjoy it. I will listen to it again as it covers quite a bit of history.

Great insight into the 20th Century!

Loved the book! The explanations of the causes and effects of individual leadership on history was insightful.

Every student should read this.

As a modern student, we were never taught to think critically about collectivism. Everything we were ever taught has been so dogmatically relativistic that critical thought, in any capacity, is hard to produce. This book has been so refreshing and has reignited my curiosity, which I thought had gone dormant after being subjected to too much modern education.

The narration is a bit hard to get used to, and the content is so thought provoking that I keep getting lost in thought and have to go back. I am enjoying the book so much though, that I just ordered a physical copy, and can’t wait to work my way through the various references made throughout the text!

different & refreshing

Mr. Johnson is superlative in his description and analysis. The first chapter gets you hooked.he provides a wonderful perspective on history that is different & refreshing. It is deep and rich with fantastic details and refernces. Amazing stuff.

Great review, with attitude!

Loved it. But I definitely had to keep reminding myself that the author had very "conservative" politics, so his explanations and tongue-in-cheek observations of history, while informative, are often quite politically opinionated.

It's always interesting to read historical interpretation of relativity "current" events 20 later, with the benefit of hindsight.

peaky audio, but great content

I found the audio could use some touching up -- it was a bit peaky which made it hard to listen to on some speakers (some sounds much louder than others).

the content itself is top notch. a very interesting tour through the craziness of the 20th century.

5 Stars Despite a Major Error

The Work: Wonderful! Paul Johnson’s ability to draw together huge subjects into a cohesive narrative is amazing.

The Performance: Marvelous! I love Nadia May’s reading, This is the Voice of Female Authority!

The Major Error: This is NOT the Revised edition (1991) as stated on the cover but the ORIGINAL edition of 1983. It’s essentially the same book except for the last chapter which, in the revised edition, covers the 1980s.

Still very much worth reading.