The History of the World

The History of the World 6th Edition is a comprehensive book that covers a wide range of historical events and civilizations. It offers a detailed and analytical perspective on the main historical issues from the first expansion of homo sapiens to the present day. The writing style of Odd Arne Westad is praised for its easy readability and insightful narrative. However, the book receives mixed reviews from customers. Some customers express disappointment with the small print, lack of pictures, and limited maps, making it less engaging for high school students. Additionally, they find the writing style to be too academic and boring, resembling a college-level textbook that may put students to sleep. On the other hand, other customers appreciate the book's depth and the author's ability to present different viewpoints and discuss the philosophy of history. They find it informative and interesting, packed with information and philosophy in a compact space. Some customers criticize the author's selections as arbitrary, particularly in certain periods like the Assyrian, Elamite, and Persian civilizations, as well as the inadequate coverage of Indian civilizations. The language is also a challenge for some readers, with long, meandering paragraphs, academic vocabulary, and a lack of clarity in certain instances. One noteworthy criticism is that the book tends to give more credit than objectively due to religion, particularly Abrahamic religions. Some customers find instances where inaccurate information is presented, such as implying that Judaism was the first monotheistic religion, neglecting the significance of Zoroastrianism. In conclusion, The History of the World 6th Edition offers a comprehensive and analytical overview of world history. While it is praised for its informative content and readability, some customers find the book less engaging for high school students and criticize its biased or arbitrary selections and inadequate coverage of certain civilizations.