History of the World: From the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty-First Century

by Arjun Dev, Indira Arjun Dev

History Of The World comprehensively covers historical events that took place from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. Published in 2009, this book has been written by two renowned Indian historians. They trace back the history of the world, and focus on incidents that have impacted millions of lives.

History Of The World throws light on World War I and II. It showcases why and how these wars took place. Starting off with WW I, this historic account goes all the way upto the terrorist attacks on 11th September 2001. Without being American or European centric, the authors have explained many major watershed events. The Civil Rights Movement in America to put an end to discrimination against African Americans has been meticulously covered. It shows how the non-white population struggled to end racial segregation and fight for their right to vote.

The book also speaks of the numerous nationalist movements that spread across Asia and Africa during the 1950s and 1960s. Anti-imperialist ideas played a major role in bringing about an end to colonization, and freeing many countries. Another interesting topic covered in History Of The World is the birth of the United Nations in 1945. Furthermore, the book also discusses the Cold War between the Soviet Union and United States of America. Arjun Dev and Indira Arjun Dev have developed an interlink between all the events and forces, which helps in understanding the progress of world history.

This book is designed for undergraduate students of history and international relations. However, anyone keen on knowing more about events that have altered the world, should definitely be reading History Of The World.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World History, Historical, Politics

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ajay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could have been a great book but the book written from a leftist point of view. As i always believe that book should be written from neutral point of view.

[Pratibha Suku · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise.
A general introduction/brush up to major events.
Complex History of the world that includes Europe's hegemony to Japan's imperialist power to disintegration of USSR to integration of Germany to formation of UN and NAM.
That is circumstances and events just before WW-1 to the recent time 9/11 attack and also the major people or player involved in.
An overview which require a follow up for better understanding.

[Manas Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

It's hard to pack 120 years of world history in just 300 pages. Yet Mr Dev tried to do that. The description says that the book can be used as an undergrad textbook and so I picked it up. I thought a book of this kind will definitely help me in getting a deeper look at history. But I was disappointed. This book gives you just a casual knowledge of history.

What it does is to give you a glance at history which might be helpful if you decide to read world history in detail. It has helped me in building up some fundamental knowledge about what happened in the world. But it somehow did not fulfill the purpose which I intended it to do.

I would have to pick up another book soon about world history.

[Abby Varghese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book for a glimpse into the history of the world. It is basically a general introduction to the events of the time detailed enough for a beginner but also as a quick brush up for undergrads. The events of the 20th century were complex but the authors have done a great job in doing justice to all most all major events bringing out the facts.
Overall a good book, especially as a warm up for in-depth study of world history.
Highly recommend for beginners.

[Sulaiman Taji · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has incorrect maps, a lot of them.
Some of the events have been over simplified. Also has a few downright factual errors, e.g. as per the book, Kargil war took place in 1998. There could be more I simply missed.

The only redeeming factor for this book was that it does not side with either faction all through the course of the book. Takes Non-allignment to the core.

Why did I read it? I had for some time now, thought of having a brief read on modern history.

[Satvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise overview of world history from the beginning of the first world war to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Clearly written, very readable, but a little ideologically biased. I would have preferred to read a more balanced narrative, rather than an overly left leaning one.

[Lasic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. Quite a left leaning book.

[Pradeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing

[Abhishek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was recommended to my friend who had read it for his civil services exam and said it gives you a (marxist ?,) good perspective on world history. It begins with a good introduction dealing with topics like what contemporary history is, the perils of writing about the period one is lliving on and so on which I think should be a must in any book on history, politics. It deals with the period roughly from 1900 - 1990s which has been one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of mankind. I must say it does a pretty good job of it. It takes a balanced, unbiased view whilst giving due to weight to different regions of the world(Most of the focus, as expected, is on Europe and America given the hegemony exercised by the Great Powers). At the same time it succeeds in painting a grand picture of the different forces at play and the consequences of each event. It is a great book for a beginner and gives a concise, comprehensive(in the sense of covering almost all major events) and dare I say compelling account of contemporary history.

[Divya Chirania · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book, I must say.
Go for it, if you are interested in knowing, what led to world wars.Information related to various Conferences, the trigger of nuclear race among various countries is very insightful.

All the important events are given in brief & explained properly.

I found the first half a bit boring probably because of so many dates & facts.
The book captures the struggle of countries to revive their economy post world wars catastrophe, the greed of acquiring colonies, competition between US & USSR to prove their hegemony & most importantly the role of India in Non-Alignment Movement, the creation of Bangladesh, etc.

Maps make understanding easy.

The book drives home the point that "Independence has a cost attached to it.It has not come easy for any country."

[Anandu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall a good book. Page to information ratio is much higher than normal history books. It gives a short version of almost all the things that happened in the past century. But the book has its own limitations. It is a beginners guide to world history. So for detailed information you have to do research of your own.

The book has a leftist bias, but the book covers the period which was the golden age of communism and the period in which communism influenced the world. But it doesn't shy away from atrocities committed by the communist regimes.

[Vaishnav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of world history. Quick paced. History of South America, Africa & S E Asia are enlightening.

[Ashok]

Good

[Varun · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of world is important aspect in globalized world and helps in creating constructive decisions on future. Author explained it in lucid way.

[Yogesh Gangwar · Rating 3 out of 5]

👉It contains history from 1890 onwards till now.

👉 Language is quite simple but not much explanatory.

👉It will provide only shallow understanding regarding events especially world wars.

👉This book is kind of short notes, the details are missing.

[Bookish Hedgehog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick-and-dirty summary of major historical events. Takes a somewhat leftist stance in its descriptions. On the other hand, it privileges the perspective of Indian/developing countries on these issues (yay!).

The use of feminine singular ('her') for every country sometimes leads to confusion; all maps are black-and-white and often badly designed. Adopts an overly textbook-style (which is expected given the authorship) — but it can sometimes lead to annoying features, e.g., repetition of material, small unrelated sections and subsection, lack of an overarching narrative.

Might have to re-read just to take it all in — but is a good primer, before you consult the standard reference material.

© Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0

[ickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who wants a peep into the History of the word from the previous century this book is the best place for a start.For quick references this is a ready reckoner.A clean and crisper presentation by the Arjun Dev and Indira Arjun Dev definitely entitles them a applause.A clear and simple view on the vast terrorising history of Hegemony of one state over other and the reasons behind the move of every action that changed the status of Nations thereby changing the World's.Needless to say this book would kindle most of the readers to read more on this subject further.

[Shubham Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great writing by one of the most renowned historians of India. This book will give you glimpses into the events and processes that were in work in shaping of of the world history. It is written in a lucid and expressive manner.
This is a organizers description of various ideologies like socialism, capitalism. Also, this gives us insights of events and circumstances that led to the World Wars. This ends upon NAM and its role in today's multipolar world.
A must read for all lovers of history and for others it's a learning experience.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical events of the 20th Century were complex as the history itself. The authors must be credited with coming out with doing justice to almost all the events in terms of stating facts as facts without missing out on any major event in just few pages. It is an objective narration of what happened during this period.

[Vishwanath K N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely edited and effective presentation.. Post Cold war period should have covered little more in detail. And little more details on the background and reason of US dominance in developing countries.. US domination is gently handled without hurting US readers by hiding extra details on the issues..

[Abhishek Sayam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Short descriptive book. Good for a preliminary understanding of major world events like World Wars, American Revolution, French Revolution etc. All major events happened in the world since first world war are mentioned together in this book.
One time read, especially before getting into the in-depth study of major world events.

[Abhishek Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little book which absorbs the essence of events starting from World War I and ending all the way to disintegration of Soviet Union. Language is crisp and the expression of ideas are marked by conspicuous brevity. A highly recommended book for grazing important events during this era.

[Praveen Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

To check my opinion of this book, Please check my blog entry :
http://contemplatingme.wordpress.com/...

Thanks

[Aditya]

good book

[Himanshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best starter books on World history from aspirant point of view

[Yogesh Gangwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It contains factual information instead of detailed analysis.

[Navdeep]

good