A Little History of the World

By: E. H. Gombrich

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, twenty-six-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success. It is now an international bestseller and available in almost thirty languages across the world.

In forty concise chapters, Gombrich tells the story of man from the Stone Age to the atomic bomb. In between emerges a colorful picture of wars and conquests, grand works of art, and the spread and limitations of science. This is a text dominated not by dates and facts but by the sweep of mankind’s experience across the centuries, a guide to humanity’s achievements and an acute witness to its frailties. The product of a generous and humane sensibility, this timeless account makes intelligible the full span of human history.

©1985 DuMont Literatur und Kunst Verlag GmbH und Co. KG, Cologne, Germany. English translation 2005 Leonie Gombrich (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"A lovely, lively historical survey....A fine conception and summarizing of the world's checkered past for young and old." (Kirkus Reviews)
"A remarkable book, written in an amiable, conversational style....This resurrected history deserves reading for all its delights." (The New York Times)

Beautiful

And captivating. History-telling at its best. I knew the great art historian's major works but what a pleasant surprise it was to find another gem of his!

I LOVE THIS BOOK

Would you listen to A Little History of the World again? Why?

This is one of those books that I will continue to listen to and enjoy every time. Imagine the impossible task of wanting to know about the history of the world, but needing it to be concise and interesting - I thought it was impossible but was surprised to find such a book existed. I could not stop listening! It was supposedly written for fifth graders but I think that people of all ages can enjoy this book. It is interesting and the perfect length. Would recommend to everyone who is not a history buff.

A treasure for all ages

First, let me allay your fears. This history book is not intimidating. Although it was written for children, it is not overly simplistic. It is a delightful surprise.

The writing is easy going and approachable. At times, it is almost lyrical. The book is full of perceptive insights.

Einstein is reputed to have said that all things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. This approach is wonderful for history.

I’m in my fifties, and well read in history, and I loved this book. I intend giving copies to friends ranging in age from 8 to 80. It is a treasure.

The narration is clear, and done with the easy manner that fits so well with the engaging conversational style of the book.

Essential Reading

Every person needs a working knowledge of history and this is a fantastic way of doing that. I recommend it to every curious person I know.

absolutely fantastic. it is a must read

Everyone should read this book and I'm sure historians love it too. the most capturing history story ever written.

Very informative

Could've included the Mughal Dynasty too..... WW1 was very well explained on how it started.

Elegantly simple telling of history.

I very much look forward to sharing this work of history with my children when they are a little older.

A real gem

Although I would not put this book in the YA class, it is like your beloved grandfather is reading you an interesting bedtime story. I loved that the book was written with a mainly European POV and not slanted to highlight American or UK history. I have been a lifelong enthusiast of history books. From historical fiction like Daniel Silva's The Unlikely Spy (awesome) and Stephen King's 11-22-63 (spooky and fun) to non-fiction like Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything and David Christian's Great Courses - Big History. All great reads and listens. But "A Little History of the World" is different.

It starts out with general, almost simple observations and weaves the listener through increasingly more complex and interrelated events. I feel like I gained a better understanding of human history. I also really loved the narrator, Ralph Cosham. I was saddened to learn he passed a few years ago but there are 148 more Ralph Cosham narrated books on audible!

excellent voice actor

This is an excellent brief history of the world, not withstanding a few anti American remarks.

Engaging from the start

Thorough, insightful, and held my interest throughout. Should be required reading in secondary schools.