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closteroven's review
4.0
(8/10)- I found this very interesting! It was easy to read, well explained, and it helped me understand what went on in the past that isn’t really explored in school. I’d like to learn more about these topics now, too, which is a very good thing. I have seen a few reviews that say this is a fairly westernized explanation of events, and I agree that it does focus a lot on Britain and Europe, but in some parts it is necessary so it doesn’t bother me as much. Also, the art is amazing, and I really admire the artist and all the people responsible for putting this book together.
gayathiri_rajendran's review
4.0
I had no idea this was supposed to be a children's book when I got it but I enjoyed the illustrations a lot.The prose is easy to understand.This is one of the most beautiful history books I have ever read.
The title is somewhat misleading as it says "New History of the World" but the author mainly deals with the past events.
The book isn't very deep,written for children basically and I will be reading "The New Silk Roads:The Present and Future of the World" by the same author later.
This book is highly readable and it was an enjoyable read and somehow I find it difficult to agree with the author in the last chapter that the Silk Roads are opening up again in the modern world.
The title is somewhat misleading as it says "New History of the World" but the author mainly deals with the past events.
The book isn't very deep,written for children basically and I will be reading "The New Silk Roads:The Present and Future of the World" by the same author later.
This book is highly readable and it was an enjoyable read and somehow I find it difficult to agree with the author in the last chapter that the Silk Roads are opening up again in the modern world.
compassrose's review
I’m not sure WHY I bought this - and I remember that I did, at Chapters, I think. Nicely designed (and that’s probably why) but extremely disappointing in content, even accounting for the fact that it’s a kids’ book. Frankopan is clearly aware of modern movements to decolonise history and move away from Eurocentric interpretations, and he nods at this with a sentence or so here and there - but then, irresistibly, he’s drawn back into what’s clearly his comfort zone, talking about European empire and in particular Britain in tones that might, again, gesture at “maybe the lads were naughty here and there” but ultimately very clearly want the reader to think that in the end, regardless of a few wobbles, the Europeans (and again, in particular, the British) are On the Side of Right and Justice, and their supremacy was very much earned and deserved. I thought maybe this was something that happened in the course of the dumbing down for the nursery audience, but reviews of the full-length book seem to indicate not; Frankopan’s promise of a “new” history centred on the East is an empty one.
omipotent's review
5.0
What a gem! Maybe not for hardcore history readers but as a summery of world history combined with beautiful illustrations it excited every interest of mine. I finished this within a week and loved every minute of it, and to know I knew so little on how devastating World War II was!
vulturetime's review
Not rating this because this was not the book I was expecting to come (I meant to they the non-illustrated version that is 1) longer and 2) not aimed toward children). I suppose this one would be a good overview.
jeremychiasson's review against another edition
4.0
In this beautifully illustrated edition, Frankopan offers a major perspective shift on the history of the world. He wants us to shift the center of our historical focus from the West, to the Silk Roads (the web of networks where the cultures of the people from East and West first met).
It is a refreshing view, and is much more helpful with understanding the historical underpinnings of the world today (particularly in the Middle East). By looking at the intersecting points of the world's cultures, it is easier to see how trade routes, conquest, the spread of philosophical ideas, have shaped our world.
The book is well-organized, with each chapter moving the chronology forward, but also examining a new theme (The Road to Slaves, The Road to Islam, etc.).
I would highly recommend it!
It is a refreshing view, and is much more helpful with understanding the historical underpinnings of the world today (particularly in the Middle East). By looking at the intersecting points of the world's cultures, it is easier to see how trade routes, conquest, the spread of philosophical ideas, have shaped our world.
The book is well-organized, with each chapter moving the chronology forward, but also examining a new theme (The Road to Slaves, The Road to Islam, etc.).
I would highly recommend it!
opheliastephanie's review against another edition
5.0
A superb introduction to history for 11+ year olds. Depth and breadth achieved. Fantastic vocabulary and definitely provokes assumptions
amy_h_45's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! If you’re looking for a book to help fill in the gaps in your junior high/9-10th graders world history education (or, let’s face it, the gaps in your own education!) this is a great place to start. It’s a very high level, not extremely detailed read. A child could easily use this to discover historical periods or events that are interesting to them, that they would want to learn even more about. Highly recommended!