A Little History of the World

The internationally bestselling guide to the extraordinary human story, for the curious of all ages

The world has existed for over 4 billion years, but humanity arrived much more recently. Here E. H. Gombrich brings to life the full story of human experience on Earth. He paints a colourful picture of remarkable people and events, from Confucius to Catherine the Great, from the invention of art to the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

This is a book dominated not by dates and facts but by the sweep of mankind’s experience across the centuries. It is both a guide to humanity’s achievements and an acute witness to its frailties. The product of a generous and humane sensibility, this is a timeless account of our shared history.

Little Histories - Inspiring Guides for Curious Minds

E. H. Gombrich (1909-2001) was the author of many celebrated works, including the international bestsellers The Story of Art and Art and Illusion. Born in Vienna in 1909, he moved to London in 1936 where he was director of the Warburg Institute of the University of London from 1959 to 1976.