Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #261749 in Books
• Published on: 1997-07-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 927 pages

Synopsis
A narrative history of the 20th century, this volume takes the story up to 1933, covering World War I and the empires and lives that had been destroyed by it. It examines developments in production and culture, and amazing inventions such as aircraft, and the introduction of diesel and oil fuels to replace coal and steam. The volume ends with the election of Roosevelt as the President of the United States, and inauguration of Hitler as Chancellor of Germany.

Customer Reviews

Plus ca change, plus la meme chose
Trouble in the Balkans, the Chinese at odds with the West. It could be last week's newspaper, but it's actually two incidents from the chapter on 1900 is this the first of a three volume potted history of the 20th century. With a chapter per year and only about 20 pages per chapter, there has to be some glossing over of the details and the author admits as much in his forward. My only grumbles would be the skipping around between subjects that the format necessitates and the occasional facts that are presented out of sequence. Even so, this is a fascinating read and has encouraged this reader to learn more.

A Year By Year Review
This book is a great way to celebrate the end of the 20th century, a collector's piece that will be inherited from generation to generation. Martin Gilbert's style makes the book an easy read even for someone who never fancied reading history.

Wasted Opportunity
I bought this book expecting it to cover World history, but instead found it to be wholly Eurocentric. The author has an excellent ability at bringing to life the history of this period. It is just a shame that he reserves this ability for a 'European' World history.