Question

I am reading "The Outline of History" by H.G. Wells.

The Outline of History by H.G. Wells, originally published in 1920, Revised by R. Postgate, republished in 1961 by Garden City Books.

I am not a big history scholar. So, I can't tell you what degree of historical accuracy this book has. I have my suspicions that it may be fairly naïve, possibly moved by cultural predilections. I do like that he covers history outside of Europe, indeed reaching across Asia, North Africa, and Europe. I'm only up to the 15th century, so I don't know what he has to say about the era of exploration just yet. But leaving aside his degree of historical scholarship.

Answer 1

H.G. Wells' 'The Outline of History' is an introductory textbook perfect for those beginning their journey into world history with a traditional chronological approach. It covers a broad sweep of world regions and cultures and involves tools like maps and timelines to help readers contextualize the past.

Step-by-step explanation:

“The Outline of History” by H.G. Wells is a comprehensive textbook that serves as a foundational resource for those newly venturing into the domain of world history. This book is intended as an introductory textbook that offers remedial education for readers who wish to fill the gaps in their historical knowledge, particularly those without a strong background in the subject. The chronological approach adopted in this textbook encourages readers to understand historical events in the sequence they occurred. Moreover, it significantly encompasses various regions of history, including but not limited to Europe, covering significant events and societies in East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, thereby ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the global past.

The text shines with its inclusions of maps and timelines, emphasizing geographical and temporal contexts, accompanied by firsthand accounts that provide a multifaceted view of the past. It also addresses the tendency of historical narratives to reflect the biases of those writing history, underlining the importance of examining our own preconceptions when we study the past. To comprehend the breadth of cultural influences and interconnectivity amongst the civilizations, the book explores themes like trade in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the rise of Islamic empires, and the narratives that link ancient cultures to modern nations.