THE STORY OF MANKIND

Van Loon (Hendrik)

492 pages.  Hardback, first published 1922, this is the 1934 reprint.  Frontispiece.  Leather bound with gold outline on spine, text & decorations on spine.  Gilt edged pages.  Cover is in very good condition, no visible damage or fading.  Narrative text with illustrations.  Pages are clean and binding tight.  In very good condition.  Personal inscription inside front cover page.

THE STORY OF MANKIND

The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon is a classic work of popular history, first published in 1921. Written in an accessible, conversational style for a general audience, including young readers, it was the first book to be awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1922. The book offers a narrative history of human civilization, from prehistoric times through World War I. 

Van Loon's history chronicles the major milestones of humanity's journey. 

• The book starts with a foreword based on the author's own childhood explorations and the origin of life itself.
• The narrative proceeds chronologically, covering topics like the rise and fall of empires, the development of religion, philosophy, science, and technology.
• It primarily focuses on Western civilization, though Van Loon does briefly acknowledge other cultures like those in China and India. The original text covers history up to World War I.
• The book's engaging, witty, and often humorous tone distinguishes it from typical textbooks. Van Loon used his own illustrations and maps to bring history to life for readers.
• The narrative, told from the perspective of an early 20th-century European man, encourages readers to look at the broader sweep of history and consider the interconnectedness of events. 

While foundational, Van Loon's work also has some notable characteristics reflecting its original context. 

• The Story of Mankind is recognized for making history accessible and interesting to young readers without oversimplifying complex topics.
• Some readers note that the narrative is limited by the social perspectives of the early 20th century. For example, it provides a very limited and Western-centric view of world events.
• Despite its limitations, the book's engaging storytelling and emphasis on historical perspective have made it a classic for generations. 

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