Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Anyone who writes a 'history of the world' has to expect the talking dog review: the wonder is not that it is done badly, but that it is done at all. Hugh Thomas has written good books on Spain and Cuba and an acceptable biography of John Strachey. It is not altogether clear how this qualifies him to contemplate, much less undertake, a history of the world. It must be reported, however, that he brings it off rather well. A Martian landing on these shores just might turn to this book in translation to find out what Earthlings have been up to. The selectivity instinct is well honed in Mr. Thomas, as is his usage of the language." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)