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sarahbringhurstfamilia's review against another edition
5.0
This book somehow migrated into our bathroom (actually, our bathroom is full of books, like most other rooms in our house), and my husband and I are both addicted to it. In fact, now whenever he's missing, I expect him to emerge full of words of wisdom about the Ain Sakhri Lovers Figurine or Hokusai's The Great Wave.
Interestingly enough, the book is actually a compilation of a BBC radio series that aired in 2010. The series included short programmes (what amounts to 5-6 printed pages each) on 100 historically significant objects from the British Museum. It's a novel approach to history, and quite successful, I think. At least I've learned a lot. And now I'm dying to go to the British Museum.
Although I loved the book, I couldn't help thinking with each new marvel what a terrible shame it is that the British are holding on to all these artifacts that rightfully belong elsewhere. It is heartbreaking to visit sites in the Near East and find that all the most dramatic pieces are far away in European museums. To be fair, in the chapter on the Parthenon relief, the book did mention the controversy over whether it ought to be given back to Greece (and yes, I found the British arguments pathetic at best).
Despite the ethical quibble, this is a delightful resource that really brings history to life. You can also find the original radio series, along with great zoomable photos of each object on the BBC website .
Interestingly enough, the book is actually a compilation of a BBC radio series that aired in 2010. The series included short programmes (what amounts to 5-6 printed pages each) on 100 historically significant objects from the British Museum. It's a novel approach to history, and quite successful, I think. At least I've learned a lot. And now I'm dying to go to the British Museum.
Although I loved the book, I couldn't help thinking with each new marvel what a terrible shame it is that the British are holding on to all these artifacts that rightfully belong elsewhere. It is heartbreaking to visit sites in the Near East and find that all the most dramatic pieces are far away in European museums. To be fair, in the chapter on the Parthenon relief, the book did mention the controversy over whether it ought to be given back to Greece (and yes, I found the British arguments pathetic at best).
Despite the ethical quibble, this is a delightful resource that really brings history to life. You can also find the original radio series, along with great zoomable photos of each object on the BBC website .
statman's review against another edition
3.0
Written by someone with the British Museum, this is essentially 100 chapters. Each chapter has a picture of an object at the British museum and then a description of the object and some commentary. There is a chronological order so as you read you get a sense of what is happening in different areas of the world.
harmonyln7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
is there an option to say this book was extremely slow? It was interesting in places and is great if you want something to dip inand out of. However I found it far too tedious tokeep reading in one go, hence it taking a year to read it. I think it would be good if you want to use parts for a research project or something of that nature, as it would give a brief overview of the object in question and something of the history surrounding it, which will probably lead to finding other books around that specific object or time period. After all, the book does give mention to different systems of religien and belief, as well as different cultures.
ryner's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
This book came to my attention a few years ago when I discovered its spinoff, A History of America in 100 Objects, published by the Smithsonian. Although I added both to my list immediately, I didn't get around to reading this one until just now (glad I picked it up when I did as my library has only two copies left, and the one I hold in my hands is starting to fall apart). It's an amazing tome for lovers of history and the generally curious. I appreciated learning what it is that makes each object unique and how each is significant in world history. While I have never been to British Museum (someday!), it feels like the British Museum came, in a sense, to me. Wonderful.
sarah_dietrich's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful! A really fun way to learn about world history.
superal's review against another edition
4.0
MacGregor shows equal parts of beautiful artwork mixed with everyday trinkets from the past. This shows a more detailed image of the lives of those who came before us. Another bonus is that each artifact only has at most seven pages which makes it an easy but well-informed read.