A Little History of the World: Illustrated Edition

E. H. Gombrichs A Little History of the World, an engaging and lively book written for readers both young and old, vividly brings the full span of human experience on Earth to life, from the stone age to the atomic age. Gombrichs text paints a colorful picture of wars and conquests; of grand works of art; of the advances and limitations of science; of remarkable people and remarkable events.

But Gombrich was, first and foremost, the best-known art historian of his time; his beloved Little History suggests illustrations on every page. Featuring more than two hundred illustrations most in color this beautiful edition incorporates a wide range of images, showing us the earliest cave paintings, the classic sculptures of the ancient Greeks, beautiful Islamic calligraphy, oil portraits of the mighty through the ages, and much more. With a high-grade design, fine paper, and classic binding, this enhanced edition will have an important place on family bookshelves for many years to come.

“I am going to buy ten copies of this book and give it to my ten favorite children . . . this is a book which teaches what it is to be civilized by its very tone, which is one of gentleness, curiosity and erudition.”A.N. Wilson, Times Literary Supplement

“. . . a marvellous antidote to history without chronology: the whole experience of human history, from prehistory to the Second World War, compressed into a flowing narrative . . . [Gombrich] excels in creating a sense of the continuities of history – the ways in which human nature has not budged over the millenium, and the smallness of the differences between people. A delight.”Robert Hanks,Daily Telegraph

“Gombrich opens with the most magical definition of history I have ever read. . . . Tolerance, reason and humanity . . . suffuse every page of the Little History.”Amanda Vickery, Guardian Review

“A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombrich is a bedtime treat to share with my two children and proof that brilliance and perspicacity needn’t be stuffy.”Bettany Hughes, The Times

“. . . ostensibly a book for children, designed to present a chronology of world history, but it’s a delight for all ages. The pages sparkle with the learned author’s wit and wisdom – and reading them, one feels as if Gombrich, one of the greatest ever art historians, is guiding one through time with a grandfatherly gleam in his eye.”Ben Schott, The Observer

“. . . the main body of the book retains an irresistible, boyish energy and enthusiasm. . . . Here, in this little book are answers to many of the questions you never dared to ask.”Margaret Drabble, New Statesman

“. . . an engrossing kaleidoscopic account of global history from the ancient Egyptians to the Treaty of Versailles.”Tristram Hunt, BBC History Magazine

“. . . a joyful book. . .”Richard Aldous, Irish Times

“Written for children, this book is a source of entertainment and revision for adults too. Devoid of pretension and condescension it demonstrates how fluid communication between the generations can be. Without resorting to technical jargon or a raft of dates Gombrich has produced a text that appeals to all ages and inspires further reading. . . . Entertaining, information and enlightening, it will send the reader on a voyage of (re)discovery of the great story of our world.”Elizabeth Reid, Kensington Magazine