Asia: A Concise History
£18.00
Tracing its origins in Mesopotamia to its modern role on the global geopolitical stage, historian Arthur Cotterell offers a compelling, lively, and readable account of one of the most culturally diverse, and often misunderstood, parts of the world. Beginning with the emergence of the world’s earliest civilization in 3000 BC, Asia: A Concise History provides a fascinating look at the global convulsions?like the rise and fall of Assyria and Persia, the medieval states that flourished after the advent of Islam, and the modern transformations triggered by the lightning conquests of imperial Japan?that have shaped the continent.
- Covers the great events and figures of Asian history, along with a look at the monumental remains that bear witness to those times: the ziggurats of Iraq, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the temple of Angkor Wat
- Includes fascinating slices of history, including funeral arrangements for Qin Shi Huangdi in 210 BC; an extract from Lord Macartney’s journal of his 1793 diplomatic mission to the Qing emperor Qian Long; and Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s edict of 1587 banning firearms in Japan
- Features boxed inserts of special interest?like a Babylonian recipe for lamb stew circa 1500 BC
- Contains over 100 illustrations, maps, and photos
- Other books by Cotterell: The Minoan World, The First Emperor of China, The Encyclopedia of Mythology, and Chariot
Destined to become a reference staple for history buffs and students of Asian history, Asia: A Concise History offers readers a breathtaking narrative and wealth of detail that make the formative periods, key events, and personalities from this once remote part of the world come alive.
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by A. Nonymous
This book does what the title claims to in providing a concise history. It had a good pace, and is very sensibly ordered by area and era. Narrative threads weave through multiple geographies and periods, but are not reductionist, instead demonstrating the complex patterns that have shaped Asia. The chapter lengths were perfect for reading whilst commuting. The earlier chapters seem particularly passionately written; I found them to be the most engaging. The recent history (post-WWII) seems much briefer, although I understand that some people would consider this a subject for a book on politics rather than history. My only criticism is very minor: there is a tendency in some chapters for the author to switch between different names for the same individual, which I found quite confusing at times.