Books That Changed the World: The 50 Most Influential Books in Human History

Quercus Publishing, 2008,hardcover, large format, illustrated, index, 208 pages, ex -university college library book, condition: as new.

Andrew Taylor sets each work and its author firmly in historical context, summarizes the content of the work in a series of engaging and lively essays. He also questions, and explores the works wider influence and legacy. Books that Changed the World is a fascinating and informative read.

None of the inclusions will really surprise the reader. Of course, they include The Bible and The Qurran, I was not surprised to see Quotations from Chairman Mao included too. The inclusion of the Telephone Directory amused me as I do not consider it a book, as such I suppose Samuel Johnsons Dictionary of the English Language also falls into this observation. However, their significance cannot be denied. I agreed with the inclusions of Charles Darwins Of The Origin of Species and The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes. There is also no dispute about the First Folio of William Shakespeares plays nor the Poems of Wilfred Owen, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy or The Catcher in the Rye by J.D.Salinger. However, I was surprised to see reference to J K Rowlings Harry Potter, but not the Tolkiens The Hobbit and Silent Spring by Rachel Carson but not Kahlil Gibrans The Prophet.

However, I am really not complaining. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to delve deeper into the library of great books, Books that Changed the World is a thought-provoking and stimulating read, and the likely cause of many an impassioned debate in book clubs and beyond. I highly recommend it.