A People’s History of the World

From the Stone Age to the New Millennium

By: Chris Harman

Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan

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 20th 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.

©2017 Verso (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

“I have had many people ask me if there is a book which does for world history what my book A People's History of the United States does for this country. I always responded that I know of only one book that accomplishes this extremely difficult task, and that is Chris Harman's A People's History of the World. It is an indispensable volume on my reference bookshelf." (Howard Zinn)

Should've been narrated by anyone else

The information is indispensable, but the narration is terrible. It sounds as if he's trying to make his performance the focal point instead of book.

Actor's voice distracts from content

I found myself completely distracted by the overemphasized inflection and odd accent which the actor seems to be able to turn on and off. I had trouble getting into the content because of this. Its like the actor is trying too hard and faking direction from someone who hasn't listened to 30 hour audio books and therefore doesn't understand how distracting this dude's horrible fake inflection really is.

perfect for the layman eager to learn

this one took me awhile but it was really insightful and informative. if one wants to understand the world as it is today one must understand the past and this book definitely helps one understand history.

Mortal Coils History

This is one excellent book! Equal to Howard Zinns People's History of the United States, no doubt. If better at that. The narrators British accent is pleasing and clear. And the contents are way beyond anything you have ever gathered before in your pursuit of history. Purchase it and you will never regret it. Study history, for the world is a mystery. Read or bleed people, learn or burn!

Audiobook version is painful!

Reading and listening to this book are two wholly different experiences. The narrator’s voice is the most affected and pretentious-sounding voice I’ve ever heard. And I like English accents! But this guy … like nails on a chalkboard. I cannot finish it.
Go with the print version.