No Nonsense Guide to World History

Chris Brazier

Who was the first black queen? How much do you know about China’s history? Most people’s knowledge of world history is hazy and incomplete at best. This updated No-Nonsense Guide gives a full picture, revealing the hidden histories and communities left out of conventional textbooks – from the civilizations of Africa, Asia and Latin America to the history of women. This updated and revised edition of one of the best-selling No-Nonsense Guides includes a new chapter from the perspective of the end of the first decade of the 21st century and includes material on the financial crisis and the world response to climate change.

A perfect read for someone who wants to embrace the whole of history, rather than disconnected dynasties and events – all in one slim volume.

Contents

 • Foreword by William Beinart
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: In the beginning
• Chapter 2: Pharaohs and priestesses
• Chapter 3: Superpowers and barbarians
• Chapter 4: God and the spirit
• Chapter 5: Greek and Latin
• Chapter 6: The rise and rise of religion
• Chapter 7: Light in the East
• Chapter 8: Wars of the cross
• Chapter 9: Glory and murder in the New World
• Chapter 10: The hidden continent
• Chapter 11: Shadow of the Sun King
• Chapter 12: The American way
• Chapter 13: The power and plenty of Asia
• Chapter 14: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
• Chapter 15: Revolution
• Chapter 16: Carving up the world
• Chapter 17: Total war
• Chapter 18: The power of the workers
• Chapter 19: Capitalism and Fascism
• Chapter 20: The radical 20^th century
• Postscript: shaping the 21^st century
• Marking time: chronology
• Index

About the Author

Chris Brazier is a co-editor of New Internationalist magazine. Since 2001, he has also been principal writer for UNICEF’s The State of the World’s Children report.