Carroll Quigley (1910–1977)

This is an excellent introduction to the nature of civilizations and the reasons why they rise and fall. by analyzing five major civilizations: the Mesopotamian, Canaanite, Minoan, classical, and Western, he provides a breadth to his theories of development, rise and fall. Having recently been immersed in some of the great works of the classical period I found that this study was a useful adjunct to my reading.

Starts as a C19 and C20 roll-call and personal history of the titans of modern political history, which is strangely fascinating in a soap-opera, Donton Abbey sort of way.

Ends as a back grounder to World War II, which turned my head around more that any other 50 pages I have ever read.

One of the best books ever.

One of the few books that everyone, really, should - really should - read.

As huge as the name suggests.