The Story of Mankind
'The Story of Mankind' Summary
Modern day readers may find some of the concepts politically incorrect or not quite enlightened. Some critics have also found that van Loon takes Biblical concepts and presents them as proven history. However, aside from these small blips, the book is indeed a treasure trove of information. It also describes the foundations of Western thought and culture. It traces the development of art, music, literature, culture and civilization itself in the Western World. Van Loon was motivated to select the areas of history that he would describe by apparently asking himself whether this particular person or event changed the course of civilization or not.
After World War I, the author added one more chapter called “After Seven Years” and in later years, his children and other writers have added more chapters to make the book more contemporary and relevant for modern readers.
The original illustrations by the author added to the appeal of the book as he was a talented artist and naturalist. The book was also adapted to film in 1957, in a quirky version starring the inimitable Marx Brothers. As basic reading for anyone interested in the history of the human race, The Story of Mankind provides a great launching pad from which to explore the deep and complex mysteries that are contained in the origin of our species on earth.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1921Author
Hendrik van Loon
Dutch, American
Hendrik Willem van Loon was a Dutch-American historian, journalist, and children's book author. He was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the son of Hendrik Willem van Loon and Elisabeth Johanna Hanken....
More on Hendrik van LoonDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico by John M. Corbett
It delves into the history and significance of the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This book provides an insightful look into the past and present of o...
The Cambridge Modern History, Volume 02, The Reformation by Various
The Cambridge Modern History is a comprehensive modern history of the world, beginning with the 15th century Age of Discovery, published by the Cambri...
Impressions of Ukiyo-ye, the School of the Japanese Colour-print Artists by Dora Amsden
Enter a world of mesmerizing artistry and cultural wonders in "Impressions of Ukiyo-ye: The School of the Japanese Colour-print Artists" by Dora Amsde...
Art in Australia, No. 1, 1916 by Various
This art publication, compiled by various authors, serves as a remarkable documentation of Australian art and culture of that era. Published in 1916,...
A Popular History of the Art of Music by W.S.B. Mathews
Preface by W.S.B. Mathews: I have here endeavored to provide a readable account of the entire history of the art of music, within the compass of a sin...
Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt by Gaston Maspero
A handbook of Egyptian archaeology, issued by the British Museum, considered suitable for British tourists traveling to Egypt in the 19th Century.
Beacon Lights of History, Vol 8: Great Rulers by John Lord
In "Beacon Lights of History, Vol 8: Great Rulers," the esteemed historian John Lord weaves a tapestry of captivating narratives, offering readers a s...
The White Conquerors: A Tale of Toltec and Aztec by Kirk Munroe
In the heart of ancient Mexico, where the sprawling empires of the Toltecs and Aztecs clashed, a tale of courage, love, and conquest unfolds. Kirk Mun...
The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole
The Moors in Spain: A fascinating and sweeping tale of the Muslim conquest of Spain and its legacy. The Moors in Spain is a classic history book by S...
Rhetoric to Alexander & On Virtues and Vices by Aristotle
Unlock the timeless wisdom of one of history's greatest minds as Aristotle himself takes you on a journey through the realms of rhetoric and ethics in...
Reviews for The Story of Mankind
No reviews posted or approved, yet...