The Story of Mankind (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

By Hendrik Willem Van Loon

This history of the world for young readers, published in 1921, won the first Newbery Medal for outstanding contribution to children's literature in 1922.  Beginning with primitive man, Van Loon sets out to trace the various strands of civilization, from art to agriculture to religion, focusing on the importance of singular events and individuals.   

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Feb 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781411436442

Reviews for The Story of Mankind (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

[mirrani_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The title of this book is both correct and incorrect at the same time. While there is much talk in the beginning about how man came to be, the author chose to ignore all but Europeans for the most part because, in his opinion, they did the most notable things in history. The important thing to remember when reading this book is that it was written in a different time from ours. Back in 1921, when it was first published, certain ways of thinking and speaking were completely acceptable. Of course a book written in this era, by a Dutch-American would center on European civilization and ignore most others. Anyone picking this book up should understand that fact of history before they dive in.Another thing to keep in mind is that in the 1920s, history wasn't what it is today. Research was done differently and less was known about the world nearly 100 years ago. We thought we found all there was to discover in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt... Until they found KV-63 in 2005. And let's not forget that when most of us were of the target age of this book, Pluto was unquestionably a planet. Readers will find things in this book stated as fact that might very well have been the accepted history of the time, but that we now know more about. If looked at in this context, this book is a completely acceptable representation of certain histories of certain cultures. You get the double bonus of looking at history through the eyes of history, which is something I really enjoy.There is a reason this book won the Newbery Prize. The information is presented with a storyteller's voice, even including humor at times. I can see how younger readers would find this a fascinating introduction to past events of the world, even if they had struggled with the subject before. They might even find a particular part of history they want to learn more about and branch off reading from there. In my mind, if a book as all encompassing as this one keeps younger people involved in learning about the past, it is something special and worthy of the attention.

[flyingmonkey5 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

If I may riff from Lady Caroline Lamb, this book is mad, bad and dangerous to read. I wouldn't have bothered to finish, but I working on all of the Newberys so I suffered through. This is terrible history. Biased, racist, Euro-centric and paternalistic; I would hate to think that someone would read this and think they know more about history. Van Loon provides opinion without any attempt at impartiality.

[gmillar_8 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A history book for young people. Mr. Van Loon's illustrations are just delightful.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have to object to the title of this book - this is not the history of mankind. This is the history of western europeans. There's nothing about china, japan, india, phillipines - nothing in asia at all. Secondly this is a story, not really history. Mr. Van Loon presents as facts all kinds of things that are up for debate. As a wide reaching overview of history it has some limited value, but overall this book is dated and, while the intent is admirable, the execution doesn't live up to the promise.

[debnance_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I saved the worst for last. My final Newbery and what a struggle it was to get through it! This is the story of the history of the world through the ages, written for a young audience. It is said to have been amended and updated and added to, but, if that is so, I can only shudder to think of the awful book that this book was originally. It is, in its present form, chock full of cruel opinions and mean asides about various peoples and their actions through the ages. I had considered keeping this book for my library, but, having read it, I cannot do it.

[nivramkoorb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The is book was written in 1921 with a quick follow up by others than Van Loon that brings the history up to 2000. It is interesting to read a book about history that ends almost 90 years ago. It is more of a history of Europe and Western Civilization. Van Loon does explain why he included things and not other things. It was written for young adults so it is simplistic but that is what makes it accessible. A good book for young people to read but they probably won't because of when it was written. We had this book in our book shelf so I grabbed it to read on a trip to Paris. Reading this while in Europe was great because you were in the place where this history occurred. Not sure if I would recommend this book but would recommend that all Americans read more about history.