Shane

best course ever

Revisado: 07-15-22

I'm really not sure how you could improve this. It has fascinating content and an even better delivery.

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Informative

Revisado: 12-10-15

This book was a wealth of knowledge in many areas that I previously knew very little about. While it is mostly focuses on the classical world (i.e Persia, Mesopotamia, Greece, more etc.) it also has illuminating chapters regarding Chinese and Indian civilizations. There is not much analysis in this book, but the limited comparison of civilizations that are present in this text make it a valuable read.

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Informative but complex

Revisado: 11-29-15

Sure. It's a bit of a tough read, and a background in basic economics would definitely help. That being said the contents of this book are so valuable that it is worth taking the time. The nuanced, data driven conclusions that are reached here aren't simple but they very well may be correct.

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Super Straightforward

Revisado: 11-29-15

Would you listen to A History of the Twentieth Century again? Why?

Absolutely. The book is pretty dense so there is room for a few listens here.

What did you like best about this story?

This was one of the most unique audio books I've ever listened to. There is absolutely no analysis. Instead it is a complete narration of events as they occurred. While this can be a bit strange at times it really does give a unique feeling of how the century progressed. It was kind of like watching a news reel.

What about John Curless’s performance did you like?

His unwavering, almost monotone voice was perfect for the style of this book.

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Good but on a self acknowledged bias

Revisado: 11-29-15

The book presented a compelling, complete story about american history. I found some of the assertions ridiculous, especially when it came to the more modern period. That being said the author is clear what his bias is and he owns it. After all its in the title. Appreciate the book for what it is, a very conservative history of the United States and a well done one at that.

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A Landmark Book Performed Well

Revisado: 11-29-15

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. This book is one of my favorites for several reasons. Pinker's points are consistently backed up by data and logic and he avoids making conclusions based on emotion. In addition, Pinker circumscribes several of even his most well supported claims in the manner of a true scientist by avoiding sweeping generalizations and extrapolation.

What does Arthur Morey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I rather like his narrating style. A bit unpolished (complement).

Any additional comments?

Fantastic

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An Explanation of Society

Revisado: 11-29-15

What did you love best about The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution?

The scope. This book is able to spend time in Europe, China, India and the Middle East and combine them successfully.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Again the scope. This book really tries to explain how societies organize themselves in the most general sense. I agree with most of the points made here and I think it is a valuable primer for understanding modern politics

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Interesting Guy

Revisado: 11-29-15

What made the experience of listening to Bolivar the most enjoyable?

The story was incredibly coherent. Very easy to follow, and it really gave you a three dimensional view of the man. You got to grow up with Bolivar in a way.

What other book might you compare Bolivar to and why?

I haven't read many other historical biographies so this answer will be ill informed. A book like Barbara Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror" also focused on the life of one man, she used it as a means to explore the time period in which he lived. This book is much more focused on the man rather than the history.

Which character – as performed by David Crommett – was your favorite?

I suppose Bolivar himself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A Latin Washington

Any additional comments?

My main criticism of this book is the angle taken by the author in relation to his subject. Arana does convey that Bolivar is a complicated man who does not always act nobly, but a more hard hitting analysis would have been appreciated. I would have liked to hear more about why Bolivar did the things he did rather than what he was doing. Still, very good book.

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Interesting but not too interesting

Revisado: 11-29-15

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was indeed well spent. The book was informative and insightful, if not necessarily engaging. So broad a topic is difficult to tackle.

If you’ve listened to books by The Great Courses before, how does this one compare?

Middle of the road. It is a difficult topic because you are dropped into the middle of history with no real coherent context (not really the fault of the author or reader), which makes it difficult to fully appreciate the events discussed.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Professor Andrew C. Fix?

He was informative but the performance was not particularly engaging.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I love documentaries so yes

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Straightforward, Amazing

Revisado: 11-29-15

Where does The Thirty Years War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my favorite audiobook that I've listened to on audible so far (out of around 25 in total)

What did you like best about this story?

There was nothing innovative or unusual about this book, which is not really a complement. It is simply a compelling interesting story that is well written and well read.

Which character – as performed by Charlton Griffin – was your favorite?

Not really room for character performance in narrative history but I rather did like Gustavus Adolphus pretty much dominating everyone he came across.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Real WWI. Or Wow guys we should really be a bit more subtle with diplomacy from now on.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. This book is also very dense so it is worth listening to several times.

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