History of the Twentieth Century

I believe that this book is one of my best, well worth reading, and then re-reading. I should value any feedback, thoughts and suggestions.

The book was used in a short semester study by adults over 60. It was perfect for the course because I could do further research on any subject covered, after getting the basics from the book and further details from the professor - a great book to have around for the grandchildren!

When I checked this book out at the library the student worker asked what is was about. I said "The history of the 20th century, it's the first of three volumes" and she goes "American History?". I say "No World". She says"It's that small?". I think a lot of people miss the fact that obviously this is not an in depth history of every event and it never was meant to be that. The reason why this series is worthwhile is that it gives you a real overall sense of what was going on year by year. And because of that format it really brings you through the century with the events in context with one another. The reason it focuses so much on the wars and conflicts are that those are what shaped the century! At the end of the chapters he briefly mentions stuff like disasters and inventions which helps to add some overall context without distracting from the main ongoing events. It is very detailed for what it is (a general history) and the many excerpts from speeches, books, and letters really make it much more personal and readable. This isn't a topic that's easy to do well and I can't imagine it being done much better.

I truly enjoyed reading Martin Gilbert's first volume of his Anglo- and Euro-centered history of this century. I actually prefer reading about European history rather than American, though. That is why I favor this book so. It is a good choice for anyone who wants more than an overview of the Twentieth Century.

This concise, informative, and historically delightful first volume of Gilbert's three volume series is very pleasing. Although the content is probably more than 60% centered on European affairs, it is still worth purchasing. I look forward to reading the other two volumes in this magnificently interesting and though-provoking series.