The Outline of History

Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind

By: H. G. Wells

Narrated by: Bernard Mayes

Length: 44 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Having coined the phrase "the war that will end war," H. G. Wells was disillusioned by the World War I peace settlement. Convinced that humanity needed to awaken to the instability of the world order and remember lessons from the past, the author of science-fiction classics set out to write about history. Wells hoped to remind mankind of its common past, provide it with a basis for international patriotism, and guide it to renounce war. The work became immensely popular, earning him world renown and solidifying his reputation as one of the influential voices of his time.

Public Domain (P)1993 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Gold standard of world history.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Even few in my generation know little of world history; all thereafter are just ignorant, clueless illiterates.

What other book might you compare The Outline of History to and why?

Sapiens is another history that I have listened to recently, and am listening again.

Any additional comments?

I am listening to it again even now.

vital reading

such an interesting perspective to read history from a historical perspective. narrator is terrific.

Timeline Perspective not Enclyopedia

HG does a marvelous job touching most relevant peoples and states throughout history. The objective is not a wnclopedia of history but to briefly narrate on the times of the time as he travels noting facts and drawing connections of said facts to future developments. Not without some bias but mostly sound in anything opinion based expressed. Should be required reading of all!

Very important book

I first came across this work somewhere when I was a university student in Economics and Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960’s. There have been various subsequent editions but this is the one I remember. The reader is somewhat ponderous in his diction, but overall I believe this should be listened to.
The book in its various notes and appendices shows the actual printed outline with events and dates, and names the many experts he has relied on to prepare it.
Anyone familiar with Well’s “The Time Machine” will also recognize the overall themes, particularly the evils of war, the constant increase in scientific and mechanical development, and also the ability of human society to destroy itself. But he is also a spiritual person and reflects a very Christian very of eschatology and a belief that we will inevitably build a better fairer world with universal government without wars or extremes of wealth or poverty, particularly because no one could want to relive the horrors of “The Great War” (World War I.)
Unfortunately he’s somewhat over optimistic. Nonetheless his history up to and including World War I is largely accurate and his predictions for after that reflect the opinions of much of the educated elite in Britain, although it is noteworthy that he attended The Royal College of Science (The ImperialCollege London) and not Oxford or Cambridge, Wells was raised in extremely difficult circumstances, bordering on poverty, which clearly influenced his work.
Again, this an important book, even if often controversial, and I greatly recommend anyone with a serious interest in history, political science and sociology to read or listen to it. And download the accompanying pdf.

Omniscience incarnate

Lifted by the exuberant confidence in the new technology and scientific theory of his era, Wells boldly filled in all sorts gaps in the world's chronology, mostly why people did what they did. Here and there he alternates between an excess of detail and minimal outline. His attempt to move beyond Eurocentrism is admirable, if not very successful. Also, his work is an obvious case for those who argue that "mankind" does not include women.

And for those who feel that history is all too much a list of kings, generals and battles, Wells gives us a history that is all about the dialectic conflict (instead of naval battles) within history, illustrated mostly by the nobility along with kings and generals. He writes of the great journey toward "a common consciousness and common will" (Darwinism applied to human society, which is in concert with the essence of the major religions), aka the essence of the “outline of history.” To think otherwise is to be among the "unintelligent devout".

What I got out of it was a nice review of people, places and events that I would like to explore more. It is the kind of literature that is best listened to while you are busy doing something else; I walk.

Interesting book

Good to know how people thought and believed in history a hundred years ago

His documents are in order so clearly he did his homework a great listen for those interested in history

Loved it

Took me back to Gibbon's "Decline and Fall," but was much broader, and made up of only one 40+ hour volume instead of three. Though this work is clearly a product of its time Wells is able to move beyond, in parts, to be truly timeless. Thus, the commentary in "Outline" is much more modern and relevant than Gibbon's. I always thought I liked Wells. I've enjoyed some of his fiction, and now through this great work of nonfiction I know I have a deep love for Wells' mind, and its ideas.

Worth it

This is an excellent reading performance of a wonderful old book. Admittedly there are defects in the recording. It has the clumsy sounds of equipment use and volume fluctuations. But, to have this book performed by this reader, the defects are worth it. I can always easily understand the performance. To keep this recording it is okay with me.

History

this book was written in 1920, or a hundred years ago. HG Wells did an excellent job and the book remains is current today as it was a hundred years ago. The narration was superlative.

Hope

It gave me a lot to think about. Despite the content of his Outline of History, Wells closes with hope for the future. However, I don't he would be surprised that the hope remains unfulfilled.