The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History

By: J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses

Narrated by: J. Rufus Fears

History is made and defined by landmark events - moments that irrevocably changed the course of human civilization. They have given us

• spiritual and political ideas;
• catastrophic battles and wars;
• scientific and technological advances;
• world leaders both influential and monstrous; and
• cultural works of unparalleled beauty.

Now a series of 36 captivating lectures explores some of the most important and definitive events in the history of the world - events after which our world would never be the same.

Taught by a remarkably gifted teacher with more than 25 teaching awards to his credit, these lectures form an intriguing and engaging tour of thousands of years of human history, from the creation of the Code of Hammurabi to the Battle of Lexington to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and beyond. It's a chance for you to gain new insights about world history from a truly riveting historian.

Using his expert knowledge and impressive ability to draw out invaluable lessons from the past, Professor Fears has chosen the events he discusses based on three criteria: how the event in itself fundamentally changed history, how the aftermath of the event changed history, and how the event and its impact still resonate with us today.

The result is a comprehensive and authoritative selection of subjects, each of which played a crucial role in transforming human civilization. Whether the event is an obvious or not-so-obvious choice, Professor Fears takes great care to tie each to the 21st century, pointing out just how influential these and other moments were in shaping who we are and how we live.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2010 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2010 The Great Courses

Not for well-read history buff

Would you try another book from The Great Courses and/or Professor J. Rufus Fears?

This would not be a bad series for a person who thinks they might like history and the subject of events that changed history, but if you are a fairly well-read history buff, you will already know most of the events and details provided.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Perhaps found less known events that made a difference or else, provided unknown details or connections in the ones provided.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

About average for a lecturer. I don't expect class lecturers to be greatly dynamic. It is nice if they are, but as long as I can understand them and they provide good information, I don't care.

J. Rufus Fears, a Genius in our time.

You can tell from all of Professor Fear’s accolades right at the beginning of this audiobooks that he is a genius and a great professor. That becomes evident the second his first lecture begins.

There’s a reason that Professor Fears is one of the most loved professors hired by the Teaching Company. 10/10

Very interesting

This is a very poignant and relevant lecture series. The professor is clearly knowlegeable and understandable. The context of each event is explained in relation to the history of humanity. I highly recommend this course.

Excellent Read

For those that are students of history this book is an excellent and enjoyable read.

Short form world history done pretty well

The selection of items was interesting and much energy in the presentation. It is good. I have it good instead of excellent because of the particular style of the presenter which is good but to my taste not excellent. Still much one can learn here.