Glimpses of World History

I started reading this book after seeing Fareed Zakaria mention it in his chapter on India in the Post American World - I read a lot of history so I was fascinated by the idea of a 6000 year overview written by a man who, while stuck in prison, was able to recall almost all of this from memoryLet me give a couple pros and cons herePros - you're not bogged down with details - especially in the first 5800 years or so - this is a high level overview that bounces between the great civilizations and for the most part is a nice over view - he also gets longer and into more detail as we get to the 19th and 20th centuries so that is appreciated - His conversational style, in the form of a letter, makes for brief and entertaining reads - One could even see oneself reading them the way his daughter did - one a day over 24 or 30 monthsCons - this isn't an unbiased history - none truly are, but in this case, Nehru makes it plain his disdain for the capitalistic and imperialistic systems of the West - this is to be expected to some degree, as India was practically ground zero for exploitative industrial capitalism back in his time - he also mentions the progress of the USSR, which while having issues, wasn't quite the hellhole it was destined to become under Stalin or as well known yet. As a result he's critical of some of the West, Industry, Imperialism, and especially England who still occupied India when he wrote these in 1932 - just go into it recognizing there is a bias and listen to him because he makes some good points.A great read - it looks really intimidating at 1100 pages but remember he wrote it for a 14 year old, and it's not too bad

The most important book I have ever read and I read a lot of books covering classics, economics and arts by some of the most revered writers. Nehru is certainly one of the greatest minds and I'm amazed by his knowledge and deep understanding about our human history. Reading his analysis about world history is like breathing fresh air. How often you get to read world history written by a non-westerner? "He was a luminous man and his writings reflected the radiance of his spirit". I feel fortunate to discover this great book and encourage everyone to read it. It's an education of a lifetime.

I read the book,Glimpses Of World History by Jawaherlal Nehru, when i was sixteen years old ,in Arabic language,i did not comprehend much by then due to the fact that the structure of my comprehension ,at that age , was geered towards much simpler readings, ,ambition is beyond capability .Now ,at sixty ,i read the book ,again , which comprised of 196 letters ,about World history, sent by Nehru ,from his prison, to his daughter Andira ,then was thirteen years old .I read history of the world for other authors ,but nothig like Nehru . The book is written by an easy to read and understand English language,jargons absence is noticable ;written in a movie -like chapters reienforced by flash back ;written by a state leader who doesnot lack erudition or empirical knowledge ;very enlighting ,you might wonder,when you look at it ,what a huge book ,but when you start reading it you will find it quite small because you want more and more of these exciting informations.One of many exciting information,which impressed me , is his demonstration of the British colonial brutal DIVIDE AND RULE practices in : INDIA ,AFGHANISTAN ,CHINA,AMERICA ,ARAB COUNTRIES,OTHER ASIAN NATIONS and the catastrophic consequential impact of such divisions on regional peace ,later on .

The influence of Gibbon's is there but the interpretation and expression are Nehru's own, which can be deduced from reading Nehru's other books. Written while in political exile and in Prison to educate his young daughter "Indira". The book conveys the breadth and depth of Nehru's understanding of World History. The style is reflective of Nehru's Harrow/Cambridge background, but is simple to read for people from across age groups.

Without question one of my all time favorite books. Nehru wrote the book while in prison with the idea that it is what he would have imparted to his daughter Indira (Ghandi)were he at home with her. Despite some very minor factual errors (precise dates, etc.), the fact that the book was written under prison conditions, without any available reference material available to him, speaks to Nehru's incredible mind and grasp of history, as well as to the depth of his love for his young daughter. I find it to be one of the most remarkable works ever written and have given it as a gift more times than I can count. How many current world "leaders" do you think could produce something even close?

The book came in good condition. A good read too.

I was awe-struck by Nehru's intelligence and range of knowledge. If you love history, you will find this book compelling.

Super informative and a joy to read

This is an astounding book.The breadth of his knowledge is...stunning.I'm learning so much and it's written to an 12yr old so I understand and am retaining it too!

one of the most beautiful books ever written on this earth , so simple, so fluid, so charming and that too on the history of the world, Feel proud that this book was written by our own Prime Minister Pandit Nehru.

An outstanding narrative on a run through of history without any research tools available. It exemplifies the writings of a lively, thoughtful man with a great grasp of knowledge. An exellent reading for any grown-up as much as any teenager.My critism if any is the book has not been bound adequately to survive any ough handling of the reader! It needs to be in 2 volumes and more strongly bound.

Brillant !

Some say it is not an accurate account of the World happenings but who cares when the Letters are written to a 13 year old child (and millions of other children whom he cares for) and the boring History is made so interesting and realistic to read giving a real feel of the most important events of the World History....So, Must Read...