Story of Mankind (1/2) ✨ By Hendrik van Loon. FULL Audiobook

Story of Mankind. By Hendrik van Loon FULL Audiobook
The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon is a captivating journey through the annals of human history. In this remarkable work, van Loon endeavors to answer three fundamental questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Through witty prose, over 160 illustrations, and annotated sketches, he weaves a tapestry of civilization's evolution from its primordial origins to the cataclysmic events of World War I.

Here's a concise summary of this influential book:

1. Scope and Approach:
- Written primarily for children, The Story of Mankind distills the grand narrative of Western civilization into brief, engaging chapters.
- Van Loon's approach is unconventional. Rather than emphasizing dry dates and facts, he invites readers to feel history—to understand the motivations and hidden forces that shaped our world.

2. From Primitive Man to Modern Times:
- The journey begins with primitive humans, exploring their struggles, discoveries, and gradual emergence as thinking beings.
- Van Loon delves into the birth of writing, the development of art, and the evolution of architecture. These cultural milestones laid the foundation for human progress.

3. Religions and Philosophies:
- The book examines the rise of major religions, from ancient Egyptian polytheism to the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Philosophical movements, such as those of Socrates, Confucius, and Buddha, are also explored.

4. Nation-States and Empires:
- Van Loon chronicles the formation of modern nation-states. He discusses the rise and fall of empires, including the Roman Empire, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire.
- The book sheds light on pivotal moments like the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration, which expanded human horizons.

5. World Wars and Beyond:
- The narrative culminates in the tumultuous events of World War I. Van Loon's personal experiences during this period lend authenticity to his account.
- He reflects on the impact of technology, the struggle for human rights, and the quest for global peace.

6. Legacy and Influence:
- The Story of Mankind is a turning point in children's history books. It encourages readers to engage with history emotionally, fostering a deeper understanding.
- Van Loon's wit, combined with his passion for storytelling, makes this volume a timeless exploration of our shared past.

In summary, The Story of Mankind transcends mere chronicles; it invites us to ponder our place in the vast tapestry of time. Van Loon's legacy endures, reminding us that history is not a lifeless record but a living, breathing saga of humanity's triumphs and tribulations ..
More: Western Civilization, History, Art and Discovery
Political Forces, Twentieth Century, Modern Nation-States
Achievements, People, Events
Course of History

00:00:00 Foreward
00:08:25 The Setting of the Stage
00:17:33 Our Earliest Ancestors
00:22:40 Prehistoric Man
00:28:04 Hieroglyphics
00:38:23 The Nile Valley
00:45:34 The Story of Egypt
00:50:02 Mesopotamia
00:52:31 The Sumerians
00:59:51 Moses
01:05:01 The Phoenicians
01:08:14 The Indo-Europeans
01:12:21 The Aegean Sea
01:18:57 The Greeks
01:22:48 The Greek Cities
01:28:55 Greek Self-Government
01:34:47 Greek Life
01:42:28 The Greek Theatre
01:48:43 The Persian Wars
01:57:35 Athens vs. Sparta
02:02:15 Alexander the Great
02:06:23 A Summary
02:11:51 Rome and Carthage
02:35:33 The Rise of Rome
02:41:00 The Roman Empire
03:00:20 Joshua of Nazareth
03:09:27 The Fall of Rome
03:19:55 The Rise of the Church
03:33:31 Mohammed
03:44:53 Charlemagne
03:54:58 The Norsemen
03:59:29 Feudalism
04:06:27 Chivalry
04:11:29 Pope vs. Emperor
04:23:36 The Crusades
04:32:31 The Mediaeval City
04:51:56 Mediaeval Self-Government
05:01:25 The Mediaeval World
05:16:28 Mediaeval Trade
05:28:30 The Renaissance
05:55:58 The Age of Expression
06:05:02 The Great Discoveries
06:32:05 Buddha and Confucius
06:49:12 The Reformation
07:11:59 Religious Warfare
07:40:41 The English Revolution
08:13:53 The Balance of Power
08:23:08 The Rise of Russia
08:36:56 Russia vs. Sweden
08:44:51 The Rise of Prussia
08:53:38 The Mercantile System
09:00:53 The American Revolution
09:14:23 The French Revolution
09:42:36 Napoleon
10:06:40 The Holy Alliance
10:28:25 The Great Reaction
10:44:56 National Independence
11:26:20 The Age of the Engine
11:45:56 The Social Revolution