There is no doubt that when we in the west look at history, we still tend to be very Eurocentric. Even when Europeans look at the history of the rest of the world, it tends to be in relation to our own imperial and colonial history.
Yet the largest land empires in history have been beyond Europe. The art, culture and cuisine we enjoy in the west has been influenced by other civilisations far more than most people realise.
But things are changing, and readers are searching out histories of people and lands beyond their own experience. What many look for first is introductory material. Something that might give them an overview and lead them to further, more detailed reading. This book, edited by Jim Masselos, falls into that category.
It is divided into seven principal sections, covering the Mongols, Ming, Khmer, Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals and the Meiji restoration. Each section is by a different author, and is designed to give a taste of each empire.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t totally work. There is a huge amount of information, but written in such a dry, deadpan manner as to be almost unreadable at times. Emperors and kings come and go, often with little other information, and it becomes boring very quickly. Occasional glimpses of government structures, or advances in art or technology are mentioned, but are often so brief they hardly generate enough interest to seek further reading.
There is a bibliography, but it is academic in style. Merely a list of books, without any explanation of which might meet the needs of a different readership. In a general history book, a bibliography needs to guide the reader: interested in Mughal art? Then these books are for you. In Khmer architecture? Then look here. This dry list leads you nowhere.
The idea of this book is a good one, but the execution is hugely disappointing. I found myself getting bored on a number of occasions, wishing myself nearer the end. Indeed, very unusually for me, I twice considered not finishing it. If you know nothing of any of these cultures, and are someone who enjoys your information in a clear, fact after fact, way, then you might find this useful as an introduction. But I would suggest looking for something which is more readable.
This is a review of the Thames & Hudson 2018 paperback edition.
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