Product Description

A collection of 175 ideas which have changed the world are presented in this volume - from time to evolution, and anarchy to Zen. Using illustrations to bring the concepts to life, this thought-provoking book could be great for dinner party conversations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #507867 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 400 pages

About the Author
Felipe Fernandez-Armesto is a professor in history and geography at Queen Mary College, University of London. His books Millennium (Bantam Press, 1995), Civilizations (Macmillan, 2000) and Food (Macmillan, 2001) have been translated into over 20 languages. His work appears frequently in the British and American press and he works regularly for the BBC. Felipe resides in London.

Customer Reviews

Things you didn't know you knew
This book really is quite inciteful and is the perfect book if you have a passing interest in philosophy but can't stand the thought of wading through a dry text that seems to have been writen to confound rather than enlighten.

Each Idea stands alone in its own heading and the ideas are placed in chronological order from prehistory through to the modern day. Each topic contains a cross-reference to other related topics and a reference to further reading. In addition each topic is cleverly illustrated and is assigned a quotation that summarises or reflects on the idea presented.

I initially started to dip into the book looking up topics of interest but soon found myself starting at the begining and reading the book all the way through. I found the book hard to put down and found myself reading it at every spare moment. The book accelerates the mind so it is hungry to see what the next idea was that changed the world.

The only reason I have deducted a star is because I believe the book could still be improved upon.

An exellent book if you want an idea of how civilisation has developed and how things we now take for granted were once novel ideas.

It'll help you see the world a little more clearly, while fuzzing up other things.
Though I can't improve on the previous post in terms of describing this book, i just want to put in my own opinion. I borrwed this from our local library and have not stopped borrowing it. It is a fantastic book for clearing up concepts that drive this world, if you have sat and thought what exactly makes an idealist, just how old is the idea of nationalism (younger than you think)and what is this "free market" I keep hearing about? This is a graet book for the intellectual and the amateur (if anyone can really be called that). You find that thoughts you have actually have a name and that often the concept of one idea has radically altered over the years (capitalism). It introduces you to topics and leaves you to do the further reading (while also telling you where to find the contrary opinions as well). Perfect starter to any field of thought. Though be warned you may find that what you know you, don't know so to speak. I found this true when it came to the section on Anarchism (the theory and the practice don't appear to match). Keep it as a constant companion whenever you watch the news or read someones opinions. Honestly you'd be wise to spend your money on this treasure trove of knowledge.

This book SHOULD be one of the most popular and enduring books in present world.
I think I'm very sober to say that,because it has really made the greatest effect on me.The ideas that changed the world just be changing my world of mind now.Nowadays people are more likely to look for stimulating and interasting thing than before.But once having attained the goal,we are eager to find another one,which would be in higher levels. I want to say that IDEAS is the one that awaiting me at the highest level.I can enjoy reading it whereas overleaping other happniness,because mind stir is much more refreshing than rest of others,I experience.So that just is why I claim This book SHOULD be one of the most popular and enduring books in the present world.
I would say I am better,more healthy,and best of all, happier than before, just because having read it.