Reviews - The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

846 reviews for:

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

I really tried to read this for a book club, but seriously who picks a 600+ page book for book club. That's rude. 😂
I will confess, I skim read, so I don't feel like I can tick it off as read.
I liked reading interviews of Peter Frankopan talking about the book and some topics/chapters were interesting, but others were not.
The fear of big books got me. 🤷‍♀️

wynnari43's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous informative reflective

bookaneer's review against another edition

1.0

This is not the history of the Silk Road. If you are looking for descriptions on the trade routes, system, goods, traders, trade journeys, etc, forget about it. The book focuses more on Western-based historical development as well as events. Totally not what I am looking for.

sculpter's review against another edition

5.0

inspiring medium-paced

zeinna's review against another edition

5.0

A fascinating look at the impact of resource distribution of the Middle and Near East over the course of ancient and modern history. It took me a while to adjust to the shift to modernity after so much of the book was spent on ancient to colonial history, but he makes a strong case and manages to tie his thesis neatly together at the end.

If you're interested in the economic impact of resource distribution, competition, and availability, or on the ways those resources continue to shape our geopolitical landscape, this is the book for you.

beckyninja's review against another edition

4.0

The Silk Roads is a fascinating look at world history from a completely different perspective. It's definitely a dense read, and it can at times be difficult to maintain focus amidst the whirlwind of names, dates, and places. But I recommend it to anyone looking for a history book that fills in the gaps left by a Western-centric education.