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Written in 1935 when the author was only 26, this history of the world for younger readers makes intelligible the full span of human history. Gombrich completed it in just 6 weeks, it was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in 25 languages across the world. This is a revised edition which Gombrich finished towards the end of his life, and is fully illustrated in b/w by Clifford Harper. Available to English readers for the first time, it was translated by Caroline Mustill.
Synopsis
In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in six weeks, and "Eine kurze Weltgeschichte fur junge Leser" was published in Vienna. This book presents his history to English-language readers.
Book Details
Publisher:
YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Publication Date:
19-Aug-2008
ISBN:
9780300143324
Guardian review
A Little History of the World
Ian Pindar the guardian Sat 08 November 2008
The German version of this marvellous history for children was written in a mere six weeks in 1935 by an unknown 26-year-old art history graduate who later became known as the distinguished art historian EH Gombrich. He was still working on an English version when he died aged 92. Like all the best teachers, Gombrich simplifies but never patronises, adding a good measure of humour and charm. The book's civilising and humanising mission is never in doubt as history unfolds up to the "tolerance, reason and humanity" of the Enlightenment. Yet in a final chapter, recalling the rise of Hitler, an older and wiser Gombrich concedes that his optimism was misplaced and that in the last century humanity took "a painful step backwards", betraying the ideals of the Enlightenment. "Schoolchildren are often intolerant," he explains. "Unfortunately grown-ups don't behave any better." Gombrich's view of history as an adventure will appeal to all ages, but perhaps this book's best recommendation is that it was banned by the Nazis for being "too pacifist".
Observer review
A little history for little people
Alyssa McDonald the observer Sat 25 October 2008
Ernst Gombrich, the Austrian art historian best known for the international bestseller The Story of Art, wrote this concise world history for children in 1935. Like its successor, it was hugely popular, charting the story of mankind from the Stone Age to the First World War and beyond with infectious enthusiasm. Names and dates are kept to a minimum, while vivid descriptions flesh out characters such as Julius Caesar, 'a thin-faced bald-headed man... whose weak and sickly body hid a shining intellect and a will of iron', and bring life to Gombrich's egalitarian, pacifist world view. Generations of British children missed out, since an English translation didn't appear until 2005. Fortunately, they are just as likely to enjoy it as adults, both as a story and as a piece of history.