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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 909
EAN num: 9780060935504
ISBN number: 0060935502
Label: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 880
Printing Date: August 01, 2001
Publishing house: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Release Date: August 07, 2001
Sale Popularity Level: 84828
Studio: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
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Product Description:
The classic world history of the events, ideas, and personalities of the twentieth century.
Amazon.com Review:
The history of the 20th century is marked by two great narratives: nations locked in savage wars over ideology and territory, and scientists overturning the received wisdom of preceding generations. For Paul Johnson, the modern era begins with one of the second types of revolutions, in 1919, when English astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington translated observations from a solar eclipse into proof of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which turned Newtonian physics on its head. Eddington's research became an international cause célèbre: 'No exercise in scientific verification, before or since, has ever attracted so many headlines or become a topic of universal conversation,' Johnson writes, and it made Einstein into science's very first real folk hero.
Einstein looms large over Johnson's narrative, as do others who sought to harness the forces of nature and society: men like Mao Zedong, 'a big, brutal, earthy and ruthless peasant,' and Adolf Hitler, creator of 'a brutal, secure, conscience-less, successful, and, for most Germans, popular regime.' Johnson takes a contentious conservative viewpoint throughout: he calls the 1960s 'America's suicide attempt,' deems the Watergate affair 'a witch-hunt ... run by liberals in the media,' and deems the rise of Margaret Thatcher a critical element in Western civilization's 'recovery of freedom'--arguable propositions all, but ones advanced in a stimulating and well-written narrative that provides much food for thought in the course of its more than 800 pages. --Gregory McNamee
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Rated by buyers 
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This is a book truly worth owning for serious and conservative students of history. I was very first attracted to Johnson by reading some of his newspaper-style columns. As I learned more about him, it was clear his reputation as a conservative historian was deserved, and this book doesn't disappoint. It's particularly refreshing to hear a Brit, a denizen of an island nation that's been socialist since 1945, speak approvingly of the use of military force and of market economics.
Regarding the book, Johnson produces serious depth, considering he covers most of the 20th century in less than 800 pages. He doesn't fall into the trap of many conservative historians, and present history solely as a product of the decisions made by so-called "great men." Johnson delves into economics and sociology to make his points, and he manages to discuss often-neglected areas of the world, such as South America, Africa, and Africa.
Rated by buyers -
Since very first reading the very first edition a few times as a youth I simply cannot say to much about this book. Johnson brings history to life, he keeps you turning pages and interested in what is going to happen next. Yes, his commentary is a bit too the right, but HE PUTS IT AFTER THE TOPIC AT HAND AND DOES NOT POISON HIS HISTORY WITH IT. Nothing is worse than history where instead of making late comments of his own opinion's an author distorts what really happened to support his own views.This book can make you laugh out loud,curse or simply put it down for a few to catch your breath. I recently purchased the updated version shown here and although a bit dryer the new chapters are on the mark and just as insightful as the rest.Read other reviews for the exact contents of this work,just the wonderful reviews and the debate within them shows why everyone should read this. READ THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE WORLD HISTORY! Especially if you think you will not like world history or are easily bored by standard historical accounts.
Rated by buyers -
This book brought home to me how many of the 20th centuries biggest problems and fiascos were a result of attempts at social engineering. Fascism, Nazism, Communism, and many of the problems in Africa were the result of governments trying to force "improvements" on society. It was interesting to me how many of the great intellectuals of the day supported Stalin or Hitler because of their lofty goals. Germany was the best educated country in the world at the time Hitler took power. Modernization happened best where governments stepped back and allowed populations that had an attitude of self-reliance to change on their own.
Paul Johnson has a very engaging writing style and I was drawn into this book quickly. I had not looked at the 20th century from his perspective before and he supported his views very well in the details he presented. The author did a very good job of presenting the mood and general attitude of the various populations at the times discussed. I could understand why the bad things that happened were allowed to happen.
This book has expanded my worldview and now has me looking at the issues of the day through a different lens. This is what a good history book should do, and I highly recommend this book.
Rated by buyers -
Paul Johnson's "Modern Times" is an account of the planet since World War I, written by the most talented of conservative popular historians. It is entertaining, sweeping and ambitious and, as such, is a wonderful one-volume introduction to the right-wing mind. If you are at all interested in the foundations of American foreign policy under Reagan and Bush (and are prepared to entertain the notion that it's not necessarily all about the oil or enriching Haliburton), if you want to know why some reasonably intelligent folks don't worship at the shrine of Castro, Chomsky or Carter, "Modern Times" is a highly readable guide. You will not likely agree with Johnson's conclusions but you will emerge better educated about the views of your ideological opponents.
Rated by buyers -
Those who have already read Paul Johnson's work know his conservative views and personal opinions greatly influence his writing.
In this book Johnson does a severe criticism of Ghandi. Seriously, who devotes several pages to bashing Ghandi? None other than Paul Johnson is the answer.
The book also gives an accurate view of world history throughout the 20th century. Johnson does not fall into the trap of most writers as he examines all areas of the world instead of focusing on just the two main stages of the World Wars.
The wit of Johnson is not lost on this reader and makes the reading a little more enjoyable. Johnson is an intelligent man who wants the reader to know it. Anecdotes that are tough to find in other places are included in this book and shed an interesting light on history. Johnson also wants to inform the reader that he is very well read, and references books and thinkers just to remind you of that.
I read this book for a history course and struggled to read all 800 pages in one semester along with other courses.This is a good book for a conservative view of World History in the 20th century. Johnson concludes that in the future we can learn from the disasterous mistakes made in the 20th century. Perhaps Johnson is being too optomistic here. A good read for those interested in history.
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