where should i begin in reading the worlds history?

Question

I've decided to read history because i realized i know non about history other than the fragments i get through reading novels.Thus i need to know what's to read in and what order.

Answer 1

I'd recommend either Will and Ariel Durant's
"The Story of Civilization"

"The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant (ISBN 0-671-21988-X) is an eleven-volume set of books. It was written over a lifetime, and it totals two million words. The series is incomplete: in the first book of the series (Our Oriental Heritage, which covers the history of the East through 1933), Mr. Durant stated that he wanted to include the history of the West through the early 20th century. However, the series ends with The Age of Napoleon since the Durants died before any additional volumes could be completed."

See the first link. please.

or

Arnold Tonybee's "The Study of History":

"Arnold Joseph Toynbee CH (April 14, 1889 – October 22, 1975) was a British historian whose twelve-volume analysis of the rise and fall of civilizations, A Study of History, 1934-1961, was a synthesis of world history, a metahistory based on universal rhythms of rise, flowering and decline, which examined history from a global perspective."

See the second and third links, please.

I imagine 23 volumes will keep you busy for a while.

Answer 2

I like Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples - condensed by Henry Steele Commager. I have no idea if this is still in print. I got my copy already ancient and well-worn from my grandfather, and I think he got it used! It's not exactly world history but it covers Britain, the US, India, and Australia. That's a start!

Answer 3

Guns, Germs, and Steel, by Jared Diamond
A World lit only by fire, I think the author's last name is Manchester.

Answer 4

you should probably try to read it from the beginning. start from the oldest civilizations.

Answer 5

...At the beginning...duh...