He presents complicated situations and difficult concepts in simple terms without over-simplifying, as when he explains Buddha's enlightenment or the Protestant Reformation. I found A Little History to be an excellent introductory history book for children (and adults), because it is filled with Gombrich's deep humanity, curious mind, wide-ranging knowledge, disarming candor, charming humor, avuncular voice, and passionate commitment to history and learning.
A note about that religious history: in the context of an already short book, Gombrich's discussion of non-Western religious traditions is by no means skimpy: it's an outline, but a relaxed and anecdotal outline, and it shows a decidedly sympathetic and open mind.Ī Humane and Engaging Introduction to History
Ralph Cosham is the perfect narrator for this, so much so that I kept confusing him in my mind with the author. It's particularly useful in emphasizing aspects of European history that many other short histories of the world gloss over or rush through. But if you go into it knowing what it is, it's a gem of a book, presenting the history of those areas of the world in a lucid, engaging, and graceful manner. There's a bit about India and China, mostly in the context of religious history (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism) but it's mostly about the Mediterranean and western and northern Europe. It's true, as others have said here, that this is mainly a history of the WESTERN world. You could criticise the book from a more modern ‘progressive’ reading of the book and indicate how it ignores smaller states / peoples and minimises the role of minorities within human history but the book is a history of the entirety of civilisation so a line has to be drawn somewhere and Gombrich does a great job at a grand overview I can hardly think of a more moral book for children.
The book never flinches from the horrors of human history or the crimes of colonialism, capitalism or human greed 1 despite this it stands to challenge extremism, fanaticism and hate and argues for common decency and respect. However it’s his narrative that really sells the book, positive, optimistic and humanising. He brings the past to life despite having to skip through large periods of time and complex situations, without feeling like he hasn’t done a time period justice. Gombrich has a unique clarity in explaining ideas and providing a brief overview that’s invaluable in providing an overview of the chronology of history and linking different periods of time together. An incredible read, simple, clear, balanced and humanising. I’ve bought the book for partners, my dad and various children within the family. I already own a copy of the book and have done since it’s initial English publication.
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