- Publisher: Michael O'Mara
- Year: 2022
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 288pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 177x128mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.2kg
- ISBN: 9781789294781
- Product code: 529689
A Short History of the World in 50 Books
New Paperback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Daniel Smith has selected fifty of the most influential texts of all time, both fiction and non-fiction, for this survey in which he describes their content, historical context and impact on world culture. From The Epic of Gilgamesh in ancient Mesopotamia to the work of Stephen Hawking and Nelson Mandela, they include religious and philosophical writing, scientific treatises and such timeless novels as Don Quixote and War and Peace.
Product information
Full publisher description
The book has a unique status as an emblem of human culture and civilization. It is a vessel for sharing stories, dispersing knowledge, examining the nature of our extraordinary species and imagining what lies beyond our known world. Books ultimately provide an invaluable and comprehensive record of what it means to be human.
This volume takes a curated list of fifty of the most influential books of all time, putting each into its historical context. From ancient game-changers like the Epic of Gilgamesh, through sacred texts and works of philosophical rumination by the likes of Confucius and Plato, via scientific treatises, historic 'firsts' (like the first printed book) and cultural works of enduring impact (think Shakespeare, Cervantes and Joseph Heller), these are volumes that are at once both products of their societies and vital texts in moulding those same civilizations. It would take a lifetime and more to read and absorb all of them. But this volume allows you to become ridiculously well read in just a fraction of the time. This isn't a celebration of the canon, it's about the books that have changed how we think and live - and which have changed the course of history.
This volume takes a curated list of fifty of the most influential books of all time, putting each into its historical context. From ancient game-changers like the Epic of Gilgamesh, through sacred texts and works of philosophical rumination by the likes of Confucius and Plato, via scientific treatises, historic 'firsts' (like the first printed book) and cultural works of enduring impact (think Shakespeare, Cervantes and Joseph Heller), these are volumes that are at once both products of their societies and vital texts in moulding those same civilizations. It would take a lifetime and more to read and absorb all of them. But this volume allows you to become ridiculously well read in just a fraction of the time. This isn't a celebration of the canon, it's about the books that have changed how we think and live - and which have changed the course of history.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/a-short-history-of-the-world-in-50-books
529689
A Short History of the World in 50 Books
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_media-0_3.jpg
5.99
5.99
GBP
InStock
/Gift Ideas/Categories/Reference & Humour Gift Books
/Gift Ideas/Categories/Gifts Under £10
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Reference & Languages
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Literature, Poetry & Classics/Books About Books
/Gift Ideas/Categories/Gifts Under £15
/Gift Ideas/Categories/View All Gift Books
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Reference & Languages/Reference
/History/Highlights/History by Numbers
/Almost Gone/Almost Gone Stationery & Gifts
<p>Daniel Smith has selected fifty of the most influential texts of all time, both fiction and non-fiction, for this survey in which he describes their content, historical context and impact on world culture. From <i>The Epic of Gilgamesh</i> in ancient Mesopotamia to the work of Stephen Hawking and Nelson Mandela, they include religious and philosophical writing, scientific treatises and such timeless novels as <i>Don Quixote</i> and <i>War and Peace</i>.</p>
Paperback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_media-1_3.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_0008.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_0009.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_0010.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_0011.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_0012.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/2/529689_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£9.99
productId:135692
bic_code:D, WZG
D, WZG
£9.99
Daniel Smith
General
177x128mm
Michael O'Mara
No
Paperback
Literature & Poetry
