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preface_reader 's review for:
A Little History of the World
by E.H. Gombrich
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
The preface tells you almost everything you need to know about this book. Gombrich was originally asked to review a history book for children, “with a view to translating it into German.” After reading it, he wasn’t very impressed and simply said it wasn’t worth publishing — adding: “I think I could write a better one myself.”
So he did.
And what he wrote is a children’s history book that is vivid, artistic, and deeply engaging. While reading it, I honestly felt like a curious 8-year-old again — constantly asking: How? When? Who? Why?... and not wanting to stop.
Gombrich recounts history in a way that’s both captivating and irresistibly curious — the kind of storytelling that makes you want to keep going. He never just gives you the full story; instead, he presents it in an intriguing, emotional, and at times inspiring way — like he’s saying: “Now go and find out the rest on your own.” You can also sense his passion in every page — the way he explains, selects moments, and builds curiosity makes it clear that he truly loved what he was writing about.
His tone is always child-friendly, and his descriptions — such as how he depicts the faces of people from different races — often come across as cartoonish, clearly meant to create simple, visual images for young readers. Some have criticized this as racist, but I personally don’t think he intended any discrimination — it felt more like an attempt to simplify for children rather than offend.
Other critics argue that the book is too focused on Europe. And to be fair, I agree — it is centered around European history. But I think some people misunderstand the purpose of the book. Despite its title, A Little History of the World, it was originally written for European children, to give them a basic sense of how their world came to be. In fact, in the preface, his granddaughter explains that Gombrich was always reluctant to translate it into English because he felt that English-speaking children wouldn’t relate to a European-focused perspective — after all, English history tends to revolve around kings and queens.
And while it’s true that the book doesn’t cover the entire globe in equal depth, it does include important events and civilizations that shaped European history.
While reading the book, I often felt like Gombrich was speaking to a European child, sitting cozily at home — maybe reading alone or listening to their grandmother read aloud. The nations and people he chose to talk about were those who had a direct impact on the European world — which, in the context of the book, is the "world" he meant. Children at that age can’t really grasp how vast the actual world is — so Gombrich focused on their world, and the forces that helped shape it.
As for bias — yes, there’s a little. But if he is biased, it’s in the direction of strongly opposing those who burn books and commit atrocities. In other words, his judgments are usually directed at violence, censorship, and intolerance, not based on nationality or ideology.
I’ll admit it: I’m new to history, and that’s exactly why I chose this book. I wanted to feel engaged, curious, and — to be honest — inspired like a kid again. Something to spark my enthusiasm before diving into more detailed, academic books. And that’s exactly what this book gave me.
I highly recommend it to beginners, especially those who want to ease into history without pressure. Gombrich makes it clear from the very beginning that this book is not meant to replace any history textbook. He tells his readers to simply relax and enjoy the journey — to follow the story without worrying about memorizing names and dates. There will be no exam, no test. Just a story. And that’s what makes it such a magical and inviting place to start.
So he did.
And what he wrote is a children’s history book that is vivid, artistic, and deeply engaging. While reading it, I honestly felt like a curious 8-year-old again — constantly asking: How? When? Who? Why?... and not wanting to stop.
Gombrich recounts history in a way that’s both captivating and irresistibly curious — the kind of storytelling that makes you want to keep going. He never just gives you the full story; instead, he presents it in an intriguing, emotional, and at times inspiring way — like he’s saying: “Now go and find out the rest on your own.” You can also sense his passion in every page — the way he explains, selects moments, and builds curiosity makes it clear that he truly loved what he was writing about.
His tone is always child-friendly, and his descriptions — such as how he depicts the faces of people from different races — often come across as cartoonish, clearly meant to create simple, visual images for young readers. Some have criticized this as racist, but I personally don’t think he intended any discrimination — it felt more like an attempt to simplify for children rather than offend.
Other critics argue that the book is too focused on Europe. And to be fair, I agree — it is centered around European history. But I think some people misunderstand the purpose of the book. Despite its title, A Little History of the World, it was originally written for European children, to give them a basic sense of how their world came to be. In fact, in the preface, his granddaughter explains that Gombrich was always reluctant to translate it into English because he felt that English-speaking children wouldn’t relate to a European-focused perspective — after all, English history tends to revolve around kings and queens.
And while it’s true that the book doesn’t cover the entire globe in equal depth, it does include important events and civilizations that shaped European history.
While reading the book, I often felt like Gombrich was speaking to a European child, sitting cozily at home — maybe reading alone or listening to their grandmother read aloud. The nations and people he chose to talk about were those who had a direct impact on the European world — which, in the context of the book, is the "world" he meant. Children at that age can’t really grasp how vast the actual world is — so Gombrich focused on their world, and the forces that helped shape it.
As for bias — yes, there’s a little. But if he is biased, it’s in the direction of strongly opposing those who burn books and commit atrocities. In other words, his judgments are usually directed at violence, censorship, and intolerance, not based on nationality or ideology.
I’ll admit it: I’m new to history, and that’s exactly why I chose this book. I wanted to feel engaged, curious, and — to be honest — inspired like a kid again. Something to spark my enthusiasm before diving into more detailed, academic books. And that’s exactly what this book gave me.
I highly recommend it to beginners, especially those who want to ease into history without pressure. Gombrich makes it clear from the very beginning that this book is not meant to replace any history textbook. He tells his readers to simply relax and enjoy the journey — to follow the story without worrying about memorizing names and dates. There will be no exam, no test. Just a story. And that’s what makes it such a magical and inviting place to start.