#8 A Short History of the World by H.G. Wells

Chapter 45:  The Development of Latin Christendom

 When it comes to history, H.G.Wells gives a great overview of empire and ages that stood the test of time to shape the progression of mankind. A Short History of the World is focused on the most prominent past civilizations from the Mongols to China and Egypt to Rome. 

But Wells' ability to adapt the ages through religious and philosophical trends of the era seems to put things into perspective when it comes to the most prominent social and spiritual ideas. People can not be labeled as a product of their country alone. In reality, a sense of nationalism is more a concept of the recent future. In the past, the empire was gathered by force or won over through presenting a new, more tantalizing ideal. These ideals were often sold to mass populations through the institution of religion. Which is why religion should always be considered when viewing historic events and vast shifts in mode of thought.

A Short History of the World just barely scratches the surface of Earth's past. At times it seems to be lacking a few important peoples, places and events. Luckily, the newer versions seem to make up for these narrow shortcomings by placing an additional set of notes in the back. Anything that has since changed through research and scientific discovery is modified and noted as such. What makes this book fascinating is the time period in which it was written. Written in 1922, the concluding chapter The Political and Social Reconstruction of the World, reflects Wells' concerns for the impending aftermath of the Great War. He writes:

“The war had arisen as a natural and inevitable consequence of the competitive nationalisms of Europe and the absence of any Federal adjustment of these competitive forces....”

“....and if the Great War had not come in the form it did it would have come in some similar form – just as it will certainly return upon a still more disastrous scale in twenty or thirty years' time if no political unification anticipates and prevents it.”

It just so happens, the second world war came no more than seventeen years after the publication of these words. The concerns of this keen historian and author foreshadow the events of World War II before they would unfold. With this intelligent observation of world affairs, we can begin to understand how accepting the inevitable only welcomes this static outcome. H.G.Wells only wished to call people into action to make the necessary changes for a brighter future. Instead, these words would collect dust on the shelves, while tanks and bombers destroyed the world.

Wells, H.G.  A Short History of the World.  (New York:  Penguin, 2006).  340.

H.G. Wells Unearths the Histories

H.G.Wells was both a British historian and fiction author in an era that was rapidly changing with each unfolding decade. 

Wells is sometimes referred to as the “Father of Science Fiction,” though his wider collection of work reflects his overall versatility as a writer. This man of many opinions was not afraid to express them –with modesty, of course. Wells was highly focused on  world events and predicted the consequences as the future would unfold. In the 1922 publication 

A Short History of the World, Wells does not fail to enrich the past with this unique book that finds itself in the middle of two great wars, frozen in time.

Aepyornis with Egg

H.G. Wells was insane enough to tackle one of the most difficult tasks of interpreting the ages by referring to the most prominent primary sources. As crazy as it sounds, Wells did just that. A Short History of the World reads easily like a novel, and finds its place up on the shelf under non-fiction. 

Although at times the description and interpretation seem to fall short of modern 'perspective', the timeline does hold a worthy sense of the larger picture. With this historical re-telling of the oldest civilizations and even the dawn of nature and species, Wells opens a window into his own perspective of the histories which also speaks in part for the general consensus of the people in his time period. However, Wells does not cease to add his own opinions at the most opportune moments.

I find myself enchanted by H.G. Wells when he takes on another form of writing. In the short fictional story Aepyornis Island, we find the other side of Wells that paints the scenery of Madagascar with fantastic imagery that completes the most extraordinary description. The simple humor and memorable characters within the story, mainly the elephant bird or 

aepyornis, give it a peculiar twist of excitement and discovery. Whatever it be with H.G. Wells, it is sure to entertain if nothing else.