If you're curious about history beyond the usual Western focus, this book is a revelation. Frankopan shifts the spotlight to Central Asia and the Middle East, emphasizing how trade, culture, and conflict along the Silk Roads shaped world events. Fans of 'big history' and readers who want a broader, more interconnected view of global history will find plenty to love. It's full of eye-opening connections, unexpected stories, and makes a strong case for rethinking how we understand the past.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Those looking for an in-depth account specifically of the ancient Silk Road routes - with lots of detail about traders, lost cities, or the day-to-day life along these paths - may feel let down, as the book often uses 'Silk Roads' more as a metaphor. Some feel the narrative sometimes gives short shrift to major regions (like China or Africa), gets a bit Eurocentric in later chapters, or moves too quickly through complex events. If you prefer detailed, balanced coverage or dislike strong authorial opinions, it might not be for you.

A sweeping, ambitious, and thought-provoking alternative take on world history - more about global crossroads and shifting power than just spices and silk. Not perfect, but definitely worth a look if you want your view of history shaken up.

About:

'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' by Peter Frankopan is a comprehensive narrative of world history focusing on the regions from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, and across Central Asia to China. It presents a new perspective on historical events, emphasizing the connections and exchanges that took place along the Silk Roads over centuries. The author weaves a compelling account of the history of the Middle East and Central Asia, shedding light on trade, news, and religious views that traversed the vast tracts that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

offers insights into the impact of historical events on current affairs and explores the shifting balance of power between Europe, Asia, and the United States. It delves into the complexities of interactions and influences across different regions, highlighting the significance of the Silk Roads in shaping civilizations and world politics. The narrative provides a unique perspective on world history, challenging the Euro-centric viewpoint and offering a broader understanding of global events.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines clear accessibility with historical anecdotes, though it sometimes leans towards a bland delivery.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative examines the influence of trade and cultural interactions along the Silk Roads, spanning from ancient to modern times, highlighting connections between various global events.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the Silk Roads and its surrounding regions, linking Europe with Asia and focusing on their interconnected histories.

Pacing:

The pacing is variable, with some sections feeling rushed and others dense, particularly when delving into political contexts.

From the beginning of time, the centre of Asia was where empires were made. The alluvial lowlands of Mesopotamia, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates, provided the basis for civilisation itself – for it w...

Genres:

nonfiction

history

cultural studies

Topics:

interconnectedness of civilizations

Notes:

The Silk Roads were crucial for cultural exchanges, trade, and the spread of ideas between the East and West.

Peter Frankopan argues that the Middle East was historically more central to world affairs than was previously acknowledged.

Frankopan's narrative starts with Alexander the Great, highlighting the long history of connections along the Silk Roads.

The book covers significant historical episodes, such as the spread of Christianity and the Mongol invasions.

Frankopan asserts that economic factors are often at the core of major historical events, including World War I and the rise of nationalism in the Middle East.

The book critiques traditional Western narratives of history, suggesting that they often overlook the regions linked by the Silk Roads.

There is a focus on the impact of commodities, like oil, on international relations and conflicts, particularly in the 20th century.

Frankopan highlights how trade and economic interests have shaped relations and conflicts, often more than religious or ideological motives.

The narrative includes diverse perspectives by quoting Asian primary sources, providing a more balanced view of history.

The text is structured around major themes rather than a chronological account, presenting a dynamic view of historical processes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains discussions around sensitive topics such as colonialism, racism, slavery, violence, and anti-Semitism, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Far more than a history of the Silk Roads, this book is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next. From the Middle East and its political instability to China and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the Balkans across the steppe and South Asia has been thrust into the global spotlight in recent years. Frankopan teaches us that to understand what is at stake for the cities and nations built on these intricate trade routes, we must first understand their astounding pasts.

Frankopan realigns our understanding of the world, pointing us eastward. It was on the Silk Roads that East and West first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures and religions. From the rise and fall of empires to the spread of Buddhism and the advent of Christianity and Islam, right up to the great wars of the twentieth century-this book shows how the fate of the West has always been inextricably linked to the East.

Also available: The New Silk Roads, a timely exploration of the dramatic and profound changes our world is undergoing right now-as seen from the perspective of the rising powers of the East.

2015

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636 pages

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About the Author:

PETER FRANKOPAN is professor of global history at Oxford University. He is the author of The First Crusade: The Call from the East and The Silk Roads: A New History of the World. He lives in Oxford.

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The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

Peter Frankopan

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