5 of the best holiday books
A Little History of the World, Ernst Gombrich
£7, Kindle Store
Originally written for children in 1935, Gombrich's story charts the evolution of mankind from the Stone Age to the First World War - basically, the full span of human history – scattered with colourful descriptions of wars and conquests, grand works of art and the trials and tribulations of science. While it's not so much about dates and facts, there are vivid descriptions – Julius Caesar is described as "a thin-faced bald-man … whose weak and sickly body hid a shining intellect and a will of iron." All this is dusted with Gombrich's egalitarian, pacifist world view. But don't worry, it's adult enough to avoid being ribbed for reading a kid's book.
Comments
Sofia Ikeda
1 year ago
Now this is a contemporary book that I would love to read. I only used to be a fan of the classics, or maybe just the 20th century writers like Boris Vian, he is my all time favorite. I notice that a lot of the newer books are written in a childish or vulgar way, just so they appeal to the general public, and they don't say much either. I work for Custom Booklet Printing where a lot of writers come and sign in their newest novels, and I'm really disappointed with their lack of substance.
Aramel
1 year ago
I would love to read this book.There are so many people who sell books and the sad part is that noboy has it year.I was very disappointed when I didn't find it.You can hardly find a good book these days and it is sad when you find one and you can't buy it.