The Silk Roads is a New York Times Best Seller written by Peter Frankopan. The book tells the story of the world from the perspective of the silk roads, which were ancient trade routes that connected Asia with Europe and North Africa. This ambitious work casts light on forgotten empires and religious movements, as well as more recent phenomena such as Genghis Khan andthe Ottoman Turks.
For who is this book for ?
The book is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the world. It provides a new perspective on events that have shaped our present day, and offers insight into cultures that are often overlooked.
Pros :
- The author has a great writing style that is easy to read and makes you want to keep turning the pages.
- The book provides a different perspective on world history that is enlightening and informative.
- It is well researched and includes many interesting stories, facts, and anecdotes.
Cons :
- It is dense and may be difficult for some readers to follow.
- It does not have a lot of images or maps to help clarify the text.
- Some sections are more interesting than others.
Learn more about the author
Peter Frankopan is a historian at Oxford University. Born in Canada, he has lived and worked all over the world, including Greece, Cyprus and Serbia. He specializes in the history of the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East.
Reader Reviews
“With its vast scope and ambitious reach, Peter Frankopan’s The Silk Roads is a landmark study of the history of our world. Through his deft use of historical narrative and characterization, we come to understand both how much has been lost in the telling of this story-and why it matters so much today.”
“This book should be read by anyone with a serious interest in world history, or indeed anyone who wants to know more about the origins of many aspects of our current world.”
“This is one of the most dazzling historical narratives I have ever read. Frankopan wears his formidable scholarship lightly, spinning a tale that is by turns enlightening, thrilling and deeply moving.”
“Peter Frankopan’s The Silk Roads is a brilliantly conceived and executed history of the world from its inception to the present day. It is encyclopedic in scope but beautifully written, never dry or pedantic. Instead, it brims with surprising insights on every page into arts, culture, economics, politics-the whole fabric of human existence. A major achievement.”
