Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good narrative and lots of data; sobering and sort of uplifting
This book is a good historical narrative, backed up with lots of data, a steady (definitely not shrill) sense of ethics and an understanding of the scope of human behavior.I think modern people look back at conquest and colonization, and tend to dismiss it as all equally evil, without much analysis. We sometimes even prefer to not talk about it. This does a disservice to understanding what actually happens. This book is a fascinating comparison of several different eras of conquest and colonization. I walked away with several great little lessons about history that are not at all obvious, among them:1) When the imperial power withdraws, even peacefully, the colonies tend to become worse off, economically (and in some cases, much worse off). This is in part due to the exodus of human capital from the colony, and in part due to the retributions against those who stayed. Also, good governance is really hard and utterly non-intuitive.2) Those pushing for independence from the colonial power tend to be natives newly-educated in the colonial power's system, while the locals who are least connected to the colonial power tend to be much more indifferent.3) Some imperial powers spread, culturally and militarily, because local groups don't hate them nearly as much as they hate their neighboring tribes. A lot of narrators, influenced by the idea of the noble savage, regularly skip this. Animosity between neighbors can be severe.4) There are many examples of groups of people, who, painfully aware of their backwardness, decided that enough was enough and that they were going to improve their lives. And some succeeded tremendously - as in the Scottish Enlightenment. Mr. Sowell argues that there are cases of people, disadvantaged by geography, history, and culture, who improve their lives far beyond what any sociologist or geographer would predict.I am not a historian, so I lack the specialization to deeply evaluate each case study in his narrative. But as a person who likes to read history, I found this readable, full of data, and persuasive.As a side note, Mr. Sowell's writes about "negative human capital", which is very interesting, and deserving of more attention. I do not know if he originated the idea.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, accurate, comprehensive, coherent
This is one of the finest academic books I've read. It is very well written so the reading flows smoothly. The geographical, cultural, and historical facts he provides are cited and accurate. I've studied military history and the details I know fit in nicely with what he argues. Sowell offers a comprehensive historical account of why some people groups rise and why others fail or fall behind.What I admired about his work is that Sowell does not whitewash or hide one group's barbaric actions against another; he does denounce the brutal massacres, enslavements, tortures, and exploitations one group committed against others. On the other hand he does not engage in excessive moral condemnations or virtue signaling against the conquerors because that is not the aim of his book. One of his cultural conclusions could be "adapt or die." The historical girth of mankind transcends cultures and races and it is often brutal. Groups that adapted to and adopted superior traits or technology from other cultures sometimes rose to the top over many years while other groups that refused to change, due to pride, status, or financial reasons, fell behind. Instead of parroting the imbecility of "all whites are racists" he delves into why certain Japanese and European cultures rose from being subservient and inferior to becoming strong and dominating cultures.I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in today's culture.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great content, but book arrived in a not so great condition and the printing is weird.
The content of the book is phenomenal, and I highly recommend it. That said, my copy arrived a bit.. beaten is the best way I can describe it. The letters on the page are also unpleasant to read and strains the vision a bit, I don't quite know how to describe why, and it only becomes obvious when comparing with any other book. I have other books by Sowell who are also published by Basic Books, but only this one had this issue.So if you don't mind reading in an electronic device, get the kindle version.
5.0 out of 5 stars a different perspective on civilization and human progress
This book gives a different view on human development and why it has been so erratic at different times and at different places. The explanations and the importance of cultural diffusion and were very interesting.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important books you’ll ever read
A ideology free look at human history; fabulously researched and written, and is just a terrific experience to read. There are so many insights here you won’t find elsewhere. I understood so much more about the world after reading this. Highly recommend!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
If you love history and how it relates to the issues of the modern world, I highly recommend this book. Thomas Sowell presents a a detailed historical economical account of several places in the world that are only covered vaguely in other history books I’ve read. I learned so many interesting new things about this history of England, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Americas!
4.0 out of 5 stars It is Thomas Sowell, 'nuff said!
Dr. Sowell, once again, wrote a great historical book. He delves into things quite well.The only problkem is that this particular trade paperback edition is a little hard to read. Sometimes the print on the other side of the page bleeds through a bit. Maybe a thicker paper would help for future printings.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and well researched.
I really enjoyed reading this book that was not only thorough and well researched, but provided a nice balance on history from all perspectives.
Brilliant book
A dense and illuminating history of conquerors and the conquered worth reading. Fascinating how the civilization of every conqueror influences the development or centuries-long regression of the conquered. Thomas Sowell is a brilliant scholar. I love his books.
Uno degli autori piu' stimolanti di oggi.
Argomentazioni lucide, spesso stimolanti, sorrette da una conoscenza dei fatti impressionante.
History you need to know
One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
Classic Sowell. Common sense and reality prevail.
This is one of Thomas So inwell books that should mandatory reading in history classes, in every school.It isn't because common sense and a balanced description of reality is a threat to the Orwellian collectivist project.
An antidote to lopsided discussions
Read this book if you enjoy nuance, careful analysis and diving into the complexities of topics like the varying fates of cultures. Do not read Sowell if you are into simplistic explanations, mono-causality or assigning blame to non self-selected groups. Do read this book for its clarity, for the questions it asks and for the factual reliability of one of the great scholars of our times.
Visit the Basic Books Store
Conquests and Cultures: An International History
AED11768
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
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Imported From: United States
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Visit the Basic Books Store
Conquests and Cultures: An International History
AED11768
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good narrative and lots of data; sobering and sort of uplifting
This book is a good historical narrative, backed up with lots of data, a steady (definitely not shrill) sense of ethics and an understanding of the scope of human behavior.I think modern people look back at conquest and colonization, and tend to dismiss it as all equally evil, without much analysis. We sometimes even prefer to not talk about it. This does a disservice to understanding what actually happens. This book is a fascinating comparison of several different eras of conquest and colonization. I walked away with several great little lessons about history that are not at all obvious, among them:1) When the imperial power withdraws, even peacefully, the colonies tend to become worse off, economically (and in some cases, much worse off). This is in part due to the exodus of human capital from the colony, and in part due to the retributions against those who stayed. Also, good governance is really hard and utterly non-intuitive.2) Those pushing for independence from the colonial power tend to be natives newly-educated in the colonial power's system, while the locals who are least connected to the colonial power tend to be much more indifferent.3) Some imperial powers spread, culturally and militarily, because local groups don't hate them nearly as much as they hate their neighboring tribes. A lot of narrators, influenced by the idea of the noble savage, regularly skip this. Animosity between neighbors can be severe.4) There are many examples of groups of people, who, painfully aware of their backwardness, decided that enough was enough and that they were going to improve their lives. And some succeeded tremendously - as in the Scottish Enlightenment. Mr. Sowell argues that there are cases of people, disadvantaged by geography, history, and culture, who improve their lives far beyond what any sociologist or geographer would predict.I am not a historian, so I lack the specialization to deeply evaluate each case study in his narrative. But as a person who likes to read history, I found this readable, full of data, and persuasive.As a side note, Mr. Sowell's writes about "negative human capital", which is very interesting, and deserving of more attention. I do not know if he originated the idea.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, accurate, comprehensive, coherent
This is one of the finest academic books I've read. It is very well written so the reading flows smoothly. The geographical, cultural, and historical facts he provides are cited and accurate. I've studied military history and the details I know fit in nicely with what he argues. Sowell offers a comprehensive historical account of why some people groups rise and why others fail or fall behind.What I admired about his work is that Sowell does not whitewash or hide one group's barbaric actions against another; he does denounce the brutal massacres, enslavements, tortures, and exploitations one group committed against others. On the other hand he does not engage in excessive moral condemnations or virtue signaling against the conquerors because that is not the aim of his book. One of his cultural conclusions could be "adapt or die." The historical girth of mankind transcends cultures and races and it is often brutal. Groups that adapted to and adopted superior traits or technology from other cultures sometimes rose to the top over many years while other groups that refused to change, due to pride, status, or financial reasons, fell behind. Instead of parroting the imbecility of "all whites are racists" he delves into why certain Japanese and European cultures rose from being subservient and inferior to becoming strong and dominating cultures.I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in today's culture.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great content, but book arrived in a not so great condition and the printing is weird.
The content of the book is phenomenal, and I highly recommend it. That said, my copy arrived a bit.. beaten is the best way I can describe it. The letters on the page are also unpleasant to read and strains the vision a bit, I don't quite know how to describe why, and it only becomes obvious when comparing with any other book. I have other books by Sowell who are also published by Basic Books, but only this one had this issue.So if you don't mind reading in an electronic device, get the kindle version.
5.0 out of 5 stars a different perspective on civilization and human progress
This book gives a different view on human development and why it has been so erratic at different times and at different places. The explanations and the importance of cultural diffusion and were very interesting.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important books you’ll ever read
A ideology free look at human history; fabulously researched and written, and is just a terrific experience to read. There are so many insights here you won’t find elsewhere. I understood so much more about the world after reading this. Highly recommend!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
If you love history and how it relates to the issues of the modern world, I highly recommend this book. Thomas Sowell presents a a detailed historical economical account of several places in the world that are only covered vaguely in other history books I’ve read. I learned so many interesting new things about this history of England, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Americas!
4.0 out of 5 stars It is Thomas Sowell, 'nuff said!
Dr. Sowell, once again, wrote a great historical book. He delves into things quite well.The only problkem is that this particular trade paperback edition is a little hard to read. Sometimes the print on the other side of the page bleeds through a bit. Maybe a thicker paper would help for future printings.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and well researched.
I really enjoyed reading this book that was not only thorough and well researched, but provided a nice balance on history from all perspectives.
Brilliant book
A dense and illuminating history of conquerors and the conquered worth reading. Fascinating how the civilization of every conqueror influences the development or centuries-long regression of the conquered. Thomas Sowell is a brilliant scholar. I love his books.
Uno degli autori piu' stimolanti di oggi.
Argomentazioni lucide, spesso stimolanti, sorrette da una conoscenza dei fatti impressionante.
History you need to know
One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
Classic Sowell. Common sense and reality prevail.
This is one of Thomas So inwell books that should mandatory reading in history classes, in every school.It isn't because common sense and a balanced description of reality is a threat to the Orwellian collectivist project.
An antidote to lopsided discussions
Read this book if you enjoy nuance, careful analysis and diving into the complexities of topics like the varying fates of cultures. Do not read Sowell if you are into simplistic explanations, mono-causality or assigning blame to non self-selected groups. Do read this book for its clarity, for the questions it asks and for the factual reliability of one of the great scholars of our times.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “History & Theory”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0465014003