A People’s History of the World
From the Stone Age to the New Millennium
In short
A People's History of the World is a world history by Chris Harman, first published in 1999. It tells the story of humanity from the perspective of ordinary people, tracing how societies form and re-form, from ancient empires to the world wars of the twentieth century. It ends by questioning whether modern capitalism can last much longer.
- Author
- Chris Harman
- First published
- 1999
- Publisher
- Verso
- Pages
- 729
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9781844672387
- Genre
- History
About the book
Chris Harman describes the shape and course of human history as a narrative of ordinary people forming and re-forming complex societies in pursuit of common human goals. Interacting with the forces of technological change as well as the impact of powerful individuals and revolutionary ideas, these societies have engendered events familiar to every schoolchild—from the empires of antiquity to the world wars of the twentieth century.
In a bravura conclusion, Chris Harman exposes the reductive complacency of contemporary capitalism, and asks, in a world riven as never before by suffering and inequality, why we imagine that it can—or should—survive much longer. Ambitious, provocative and invigorating, A People’s History of the World delivers a vital corrective to traditional history, as well as a powerful sense of the deep currents of humanity which surge beneath the froth of government.
Who it's for
Readers interested in world history, social history, and class struggle, especially those who want a history centred on working people rather than rulers alone. It suits students and general readers willing to engage with a long, argumentative book.
Key themes
- Ordinary people in history
- Class struggle
- Technological change
- Rise of empires
- Critique of capitalism
- Revolutionary ideas
Questions about A People’s History of the World
What is A People's History of the World about?
It is a world history that follows ordinary people as they build and rebuild complex societies, from the empires of antiquity to the world wars of the twentieth century. Harman also looks at how technology, powerful individuals and revolutionary ideas shaped these changes.
Who wrote A People's History of the World?
The book was written by Chris Harman. It was first published in 1999 by Verso.
Who is A People's History of the World for?
It is for readers who want a world history that focuses on everyday people and social forces rather than governments alone. It also suits anyone interested in the critique of modern capitalism that closes the book.
How long is A People's History of the World?
The edition listed on this page has 729 pages. The book is a long, detailed survey of world history.
Is A People's History of the World worth reading?
Whether it is worth reading depends on your interests, since the book takes a clear left-wing view of history. Readers who want a broad, opinionated survey from the bottom up will likely find it useful.
