The World

By Simon Sebag Montefiore,

Book cover of The World: A Family History

Book description

THE TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
ONE OF THE ECONOMIST'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

From the master storyteller and internationally bestselling author - the story of humanity from prehistory to the present day, told through the one thing all humans have in common: family.

We begin with the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Do we really need another book of world history? Yes, We needed this one.

Montefiore tells the story of human society through a number of carefully selected families and their relationships, thereby connecting the intimate with the geopolitical, trivia with statesman craft, family with empire.

The author is an excellent storyteller and a reliable witness. He comes across as someone you would want to share a cognac with by the fireplace. Naturally, he tells stories that had to be left out of the book. 

Want books like The World?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 63 books like The World.

Browse books like The World

Book cover of The East Asian War, 1592-1598: International Relations, Violence and Memory
Book cover of Naxi Dongba Pictograph Dictionary
Book cover of A Tale of Two Melons: Emperor and Subject in Ming China

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,733

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Ming dynasty, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan?

The Ming Dynasty 18 books
Genghis Khan 14 books