
The Outline of History
Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind
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Narrated by:
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Bernard Mayes
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By:
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H. G. Wells
Having coined the phrase "the war that will end war," H. G. Wells was disillusioned by the World War I peace settlement. Convinced that humanity needed to awaken to the instability of the world order and remember lessons from the past, the author of science-fiction classics set out to write about history. Wells hoped to remind mankind of its common past, provide it with a basis for international patriotism, and guide it to renounce war. The work became immensely popular, earning him world renown and solidifying his reputation as one of the influential voices of his time.
Public Domain (P)1993 Blackstone Audio, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















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vital reading
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Even few in my generation know little of world history; all thereafter are just ignorant, clueless illiterates.What other book might you compare The Outline of History to and why?
Sapiens is another history that I have listened to recently, and am listening again.Any additional comments?
I am listening to it again even now.Gold standard of world history.
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Timeline Perspective not Enclyopedia
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The book in its various notes and appendices shows the actual printed outline with events and dates, and names the many experts he has relied on to prepare it.
Anyone familiar with Well’s “The Time Machine” will also recognize the overall themes, particularly the evils of war, the constant increase in scientific and mechanical development, and also the ability of human society to destroy itself. But he is also a spiritual person and reflects a very Christian very of eschatology and a belief that we will inevitably build a better fairer world with universal government without wars or extremes of wealth or poverty, particularly because no one could want to relive the horrors of “The Great War” (World War I.)
Unfortunately he’s somewhat over optimistic. Nonetheless his history up to and including World War I is largely accurate and his predictions for after that reflect the opinions of much of the educated elite in Britain, although it is noteworthy that he attended The Royal College of Science (The ImperialCollege London) and not Oxford or Cambridge, Wells was raised in extremely difficult circumstances, bordering on poverty, which clearly influenced his work.
Again, this an important book, even if often controversial, and I greatly recommend anyone with a serious interest in history, political science and sociology to read or listen to it. And download the accompanying pdf.
Very important book
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And for those who feel that history is all too much a list of kings, generals and battles, Wells gives us a history that is all about the dialectic conflict (instead of naval battles) within history, illustrated mostly by the nobility along with kings and generals. He writes of the great journey toward "a common consciousness and common will" (Darwinism applied to human society, which is in concert with the essence of the major religions), aka the essence of the “outline of history.” To think otherwise is to be among the "unintelligent devout".
What I got out of it was a nice review of people, places and events that I would like to explore more. It is the kind of literature that is best listened to while you are busy doing something else; I walk.
Omniscience incarnate
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His documents are in order so clearly he did his homework a great listen for those interested in history
Interesting book
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Loved it
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Worth it
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History
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Hope
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