History of the World (Updated)

By: J. M. Roberts

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

In his monumental History of the World, J.M. Roberts delivered a powerful vision of human history as a story of change, a deliberate shaping of experience and environment. This revised and updated edition takes into account the great range of events and discoveries that have altered our views on everything from early civilizations to post-Cold War globalism. Large portions of the text have been rewritten. Roberts' view of history is exceptional in its global and comprehensive nature as it shows the development of different civilizations through the ages, from our origins on the African savannah to the modern world in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Like no other book, this History of the World succeeds in conveying the staggering diversity of the human experience.

©1976 J. M. Roberts (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Superb...

Captivating world history... JM Roberts has no equal. The narration is first class. You'll be very glad you bought this!

No PDF download of maps, etc…

Great survey but frustrating that there are no maps to download to understand the geography of this excellent survey. The publisher does the author and audience a disservice. The reader speaks clearly and has a good voice, however, his style of delivery, in my opinion, sounds snooty and pretentious, and it’s NOT because of his British accent… it’s his intonation. Picture a self-important, dismissive snob reading a book aloud in a Victorian parlor to a bunch of old ladies with good posture sipping tea, pinky lifted.

Comprehensive overview of history

Very thorough synopsis of world history from Paleolithic times to the present. Compelling and clear. Some of the ideas and analysis sound a bit dated as this is an old book.

Bias shows through

I was disappointed. The narrative is biased and not as coherent as many other books of this type. I recommend Susan Wise Bauer’s series History of the Ancient World etc.

Fantastic Information, Terrible Narration

I love history and I love audio books. Usually I don’t feel compelled to write reviews but this book is so compelling. I hardly know what to say. The narration sounds like someone bootlegged the book onto a handheld recorder, played it over the phone, and then recorded the results on the other line. It is truly the worst performance I have ever subjected myself to.