A Short History of the World (Wells book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Founder | H. G. Wells |
| Products | History book |
A Short History of the World offers a brief overview of human history authored by the English writer H. G. Wells. Originally released in 1922 by Cassell & Company in London and The Macmillan Company in New York, this work followed Wells's more comprehensive 1919 publication, The Outline of History. It was designed to provide a succinct summary for readers who desired an accessible outline of humanity's evolution.
The first edition contained roughly 400 pages and included about 200 illustrations, among them 21 maps. Later editions expanded the narrative to incorporate recent global developments. A notable publication occurred in 1936 when Penguin Books issued the volume, with a reprint appearing under Penguin Classics in 2006.
This book integrates then-current scientific understanding regarding Earth's formation and the progression of life, tracing events from the planet’s beginnings through to the emergence of complex societies. The narrative concludes with commentary on the consequences of the First World War, the Russian famine of 1921, and the founding of the League of Nations in 1922.
In 1934, Albert Einstein praised this work as an important tool for comprehending historical advancement and human civilization.
Censorship
The Spanish edition of A Short History of the World, which included coverage up to the late 1930s, was prohibited by the Francoist regime in 1940. Authorities in Spain cited reasons such as the text’s perceived "socialist tendencies," its critique of the Catholic Church, a biased portrayal of the Spanish Civil War and National Movement, as well as "confusing ideas." As a result, it remained unpublished in Spain until 1963.