The Silk Roads

A New History of the World

De: Peter Frankopan

Narrado por: Laurence Kennedy

“This is history on a grand scale, with a sweep and ambition that is rare… A proper historical epic of dazzling range and achievement.” —William Dalrymple, The Guardian

The epic history of the crossroads of the world—the meeting place of East and West and the birthplace of civilization

It was on the Silk Roads that East and West first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures and religions. From the rise and fall of empires to the spread of Buddhism and the advent of Christianity and Islam, right up to the great wars of the twentieth century—this book shows how the fate of the West has always been inextricably linked to the East.

Peter Frankopan realigns our understanding of the world, pointing us eastward. He vividly re-creates the emergence of the first cities in Mesopotamia and the birth of empires in Persia, Rome and Constantinople, as well as the depredations by the Mongols, the transmission of the Black Death and the violent struggles over Western imperialism. Throughout the millennia, it was the appetite for foreign goods that brought East and West together, driving economies and the growth of nations.

From the Middle East and its political instability to China and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the Balkans across the steppe and South Asia has been thrust into the global spotlight in recent years. Frankopan teaches us that to understand what is at stake for the cities and nations built on these intricate trade routes, we must first understand their astounding pasts. Far more than a history of the Silk Roads, this book is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next.

Good review of history

Well done reminder that the world is not just America and Europe, we must remember, be curious and aware about these places that here in the western world not too many people talk about them.

Outstanding work!

I was surprised by the scope, detail and synthesis of this work. It puts the present in the context of the past and directs attention to the future - a consequence of choices we make.

West bad, east good

Author frequently accused western countries in seeing only what they wanted to see that I think he fall for the same issue. This looks like a cherry-picking of narratives, events, facts, and a lot of wishful thinking that support the story author wanted to tell.

Excellent

I read this 2ce in a row! Terrific
Understanding of the area. This is important

I compelling narrative history of the Middle East.

An engaging narrative history of the Middle East which places the Middle East and surrounding territories as the fulcrum of world history. A very compellingly told Tale with unexpected conclusions.

the story line, and how detailed the book is. perfect read

enjoyed it. needed to take a half a day break since it was way to many information lol.

Really good

I really enjoyed the pace and details of the events. I am going to read the second volume soon.

Narrator is hilarious.

This book is excellent and the narrator is top notch. I found it hilarious when he dipped into a stereotypical American accent. He would slide in and out of accent like a greased pig. Highly recommended!

Impressive

A very impressive tour de force. Although impossible to cover all details over the vast time period, the author does a wonderful job of seamlessly blending the time periods so there is no abrupt turn.

On the other hand, the handful of other reviews that were critical of the content ( not performance or story) : it would be nice to know the reviewer’s qualification and credentials to put a context behind their criticism… specially in the face of author’s impressive background and his obvious research that allowed him to quote real evidence from history.

Focused World History

Historical overview focusing on central Asia, with emphasis on interface between the east and the Europe. Often contains insights I had not considered before. Especially noteworthy: Deep dive into the role of Persia/Iran from 1800s on. This area is often ignored or down played, but very interesting and important. Pretty much ignores roles of China and India but is in keeping with the silk roads analogy and the narrative ends in about 2014 so ten years old. But interesting take on critical oft ignored history.