Who is this book for?
- This book would likely appeal to readers with a strong interest in military history, classical civilizations, and the fall of empires.
- Scholars, history buffs, and those fascinated by the details of ancient warfare and societal collapse would find it engaging.
- Readers who enjoy in-depth analysis of historical events and their implications for modern geopolitics would also appreciate Hanson's work.
- The book is particularly suited for those who can handle dense, academic prose and are willing to engage with complex historical narratives.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers looking for a light, narrative-driven history book might find 'The End of Everything' challenging.
- Those without a strong background in ancient history or military strategy may struggle with the level of detail and specialized vocabulary.
- Casual readers seeking broad overviews or those who prefer more contemporary historical topics might find the content too focused and academic.
- Additionally, individuals who are sensitive to descriptions of violence or who prefer histories that emphasize social and cultural aspects over military campaigns may not enjoy this book's approach.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Extremely well-written and readable history of four civilizations
- Well-documented with notes and sources
- Provides fascinating insights into how societies descend into barbarism and obliteration
- Offers lessons applicable to contemporary conflicts and geopolitics
- Unique focus on wartime situations as factors in ending civilizations
- Provides scale and context to historical armies and land areas
- Includes helpful diagrams, maps, and etymological explanations
- Offers insightful and original perspectives on historical events
- Compares and contrasts different civilizations and their downfalls
- Educational and entertaining for history buffs
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Can be dense and repetitive at times
- Focuses heavily on military strategy, which may not appeal to all readers
- Contains some typos and errors
- Uses obscure vocabulary that may be challenging for some readers
- Lacks sufficient historical context for some events
- Examples don't always fit the premise of civilization-ending events
- Could benefit from more scene-setting and background information
- Some readers found it boring or difficult to finish
- Reads more like a textbook than a narrative history
- Epilogue and modern-day applications are too brief
