Story of Mankind
by Henrick Willem van Loon
Snapshot of the 1922 Winner
This quote from the forward illustrates Van Loon's purpose in writing The Story of Mankind. It is a general overview of history with a focus on traditional western civilization. This is a book for broad strokes rather than details. I found it curious how little was included about World War I in the book, though it was probably too soon to see what repercussions that awful conflict would have.
In many ways, this book reads like a great uncle sitting down and rambling about history to his family. The quirky narrative style provided a few laughs.
Quotes & Thoughts
This line made me cheer as it was directing readers to not take Story of Mankind as the final authority on history.
"Don't be satisfied with the mere statement that "such and such a thing happened then and there." (p. 207)
History is not a list! One of the things I loved about studying history was when the fact lists began to make sense (or when sources would argue with one another).
"I did not like this and suggested we destroy the whole manuscript and begin once more from the beginning. This, however, the publishers would not allow." (p. 259).
I found it odd that the publishers let that line stand.
Books on My Mind
The Usborne Official Knight's Handbook
This illustrated, comical guide to basic knight life and history is what I wonder Story of Mankind would look like if the project were created from scratch today.
A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
This fairy tale retelling based on Rumpelstiltskin came to mind during the discussion of industrial revolution and water power.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
I can no longer read the words Archduke and Ferdinand anywhere without thinking of this steampunk alternate World War I trilogy.