Modern Civilization

THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE AN ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. These fundamental materials have created empires, razed civilizations, and fed our ingenuity and greed for thousands of years. Without them, our modern world...

The Story of Civilization emphasizes presenting world history as a thrilling and compelling narrative. Within each chapter, children will encounter short stories that place them directly in the shoes of historical figures, as they live through legendary battles and invasions, philosophical debates, the discovery of new inventions and sciences, and the exploration of the world. Volume III: The Making of the Modern World continues the journey where Volume II left off amidst the Renaissance, quickly diving into the history-altering events of the Reformation.

A Brief History of the World offers a sweeping yet accessible journey through the grand story of humanity—from the origins of life on Earth to the rise of civilizations, empires, revolutions, and global connections. Written for curious minds and lifelong learners, this book distills the most significant moments in human history into a clear, engaging narrative that reveals how our world came to be. Rather than an exhaustive chronicle, this concise guide highlights the pivotal ideas, cultures, achievements, and conflicts that have shaped the human experience. It begins with the emergence ...

Throughout history, humanity has built shelters to protect itself from danger. From ancient fortifications and underground refuges to the heavily reinforced bunkers of the twentieth century, protective structures have always reflected the risks of their time. Today, the world is entering a new era of uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, technological vulnerabilities, pandemics, and the increasing complexity of modern infrastructure have revived global interest in protective underground structures. The bunker, once considered a relic of the Cold War, is re-emerging as a modern...

What if one land held the story of empire, faith, poetry, and power, all at once? From the first kings who ruled the ancient world to the modern struggles shaping global politics, Iran is not just a country—it is a civilization that has never stopped evolving. This gripping, fast-paced history takes you deep into the heart of Persia—where empires rose with breathtaking ambition, poets reshaped the soul of a nation, and revolutions changed the course of history. Walk through the gates of Persepolis. Stand beside Cyrus the Great as he builds the first global empire. Witness the rise of ...

At exactly midnight on December 31, every electronic device made in China for the last 30 years stops working! From the U.S. electrical grid and all its back-ups, engine control-management systems, early warning systems on U.S. satellites, every motor vehicle, aircraft and ship made after 1985, to even simple memory chips inside children’s teddy bears—every electronic fuse, resistor, or connector that was “Made in China” becomes dormant… forever. At one minute past midnight on January 1st, every modern television broadcast of the U.S. New Year’s Eve festivities on the East Coast...

At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.

Step into the wild with this fresh adaptation of Jack London's classic, "White Fang," now tailored for the modern reader. This edition revitalizes the timeless tale with contemporary typography and clean formatting, allowing for an effortless journey through the rugged landscapes of the Yukon. The lightly clarified language maintains the original tone and intensity, ensuring that the core of London's storytelling is both accessible and engaging for today's audience. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush, "White Fang" explores themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and...

“[An] elegantly layered exploration of Europe’s past and future . . . a multifaceted masterpiece.”—The Wall Street Journal “A lovely, personal journey around the Adriatic, in which Robert Kaplan revisits places and peoples he first encountered decades ago.”—Peter Frankopan, author...

The revered New York Times bestselling author traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement—precision—in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future. The rise of manufacturing...

With unflinching gaze and uncompromising intensity Julius Evola analyzes the spiritual and cultural malaise at the heart of Western civilization and all that passes for progress in the modern world. As a gadfly, Evola spares no one and nothing in his survey of what we have lost and where we are...

Read this for free with your Kindle Unlimited Membership Greece is a colorful country and has always been the target of many tourists looking to have a relaxing time. However, what many people do not seem to know is that Greece also packs a rich history – all lying beneath the beautiful landscapes and beaches. Its history starts thousands of years before the Christian calendar was used – and each moment represents a cultural artifact that enriched more than a single country. Greece went through many wars – big and small. Some were fought because certain conquerors had their eyes on ...

Unlock the Secrets of the Island Nation That Shaped the Modern World From the shadowy origins of its first inhabitants to its transformation into a dazzling technological superpower, Japan’s history is a saga of warriors, emperors, artistic genius, and global power plays that changed the world forever. This book is your engaging, fast-paced journey through the legendary moments that built the spirit of Japan. Dive deep into the compelling questions that define Japan’s unique identity: Who were the mysterious Jōmon people, and what do their 10,000-year-old artifacts reveal? Was the ...

Dive into the wild world of “Tarzan of the Apes,” where adventure swings from every tree. This modernized edition offers a freshly adapted version of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic, meticulously updated with clean formatting and contemporary typography. The language has been gently clarified to ensure a seamless reading experience while preserving the original tone, plot, and timeless themes that have captivated readers for over a century. Set in the lush, untamed jungles of Africa, Tarzan’s story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between civilization and nature. ...

Philosophy made fun & unforgettable!! 4+ BONUSES! Philosophy isn’t just something you read — it’s something you do. Debate Truth, Logic, Ethics, Politics, Science, God, Free Will, Happiness, Reality, the Soul & Meaning of Life From Socrates’ questions to Aristotle’s categories, from Epicurus’ garden to Stoic survival skills, you don’t just study philosophy here — you debate, laugh, question, & even quiz yourself along the way. 🏛 Inside You’ll Discover: The Big 3 Greeks—Socrates, Plato & Aristotle explained simply, clearly, & with stories that stick Epicurus, Zeno & ...

The definitive history of Iran, from the ancient Persian empires to today. “Michael Axworthy’s deft untangling of the country’s history, from the advent of Zoroastrianism to the 1979 revolution, is a stunning achievement.” ―Guardian Iran is a land of contradictions. It is an Islamic...

War, crisis, and rivalry forged modern Europe. From the collapse of Rome to the Black Death, from the Hundred Years’ War to the Thirty Years’ War, this sweeping history shows how conflict and catastrophe—rather than peace—drove innovation, state formation, and the rise of competing powers across the continent. The Making of Modern Europe: War, Crisis, and the Rise of Powers traces how fragmented kingdoms and city-states hardened into nation-states; how gunpowder, fortifications, navies, and taxation transformed the military and the state; how diplomacy and the balance of power ...

Mathematics enthusiasts, lifelong learners, and curious general readers often want to understand not only how mathematical ideas work, but how they came to be. Many books present history as a timeline of names and theorems, which can feel dry or overly technical for readers who simply want a clear, engaging story. This book is designed for readers who appreciate big ideas, cultural context, and human drama, yet do not want advanced mathematics or academic jargon getting in the way. This sweeping narrative shows how mathematics emerged from practical needs, philosophical questions, and human...

Rene Guenon Explained: Traditionalism, Sacred Knowledge, Metaphysical Truth, The Crisis of the Modern World, Initiation, Symbolism, and the Recovery of Ancient Wisdom explores the profound and often misunderstood ideas of one of the twentieth century’s most influential metaphysical thinkers. Rene Guenon challenged the foundations of modern civilization by arguing that contemporary society has lost contact with sacred knowledge that once guided traditional cultures. In this accessible and deeply informative guide, readers are introduced to Guenon’s critique of modern materialism, his ...

“A delightful compendium of the kind of facts you immediately want to share with anyone you encounter . . . . Simon Winchester has firmly earned his place in history . . . as a promulgator of knowledge of every variety, perhaps the last of the famous explorers who crisscrossed the now-vanished...