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Showing reviews 1-5 of 40
 Unconventional account of world history November 1, 2009
PJC
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am a practicing attorney with a background in history. Having just read Tragedy and Hope, I found that it presents a fascinating survey of world history that is different from that found in college textbooks and other conventional versions of history. Unlike such conventional accounts, Quigley does not merely explain what has happened, but he explains why it has in the way that it has. Quigley strives to provide a fuller explanation of the underlying causes of historical events, trends, and the current state of affairs (as of the mid-1960's). He gives greater credit to inherent differences between the cultures and value structures of different groups of people and to the varying influences of such factors as the availability of medical, agricultural, and weapons technologies. He draws and explains broad generalizations that may be objected to by certain groups but that are nevertheless supported and that are useful for one to gain an overall understanding of history. In all, Quigley weaves a concise yet thorough and ultimately fascinating account of world history in recent centuries.
Although Tragedy and Hope is most famous for its few passages in which Quigley describes his finding that the course of recent history has been determined at least partially by a small group of elite planners, it does not appear that Quigley mentions such finding as the primary point of the book. Rather, Quigley's account that such planners exist seems to be included as merely one fact that, along with innumerable other facts, helps to tell a uniquely accurate story of recent human history. Omitting such an important fact, as do most conventional accounts of history, would result in a story that is incomplete.
I would recommend Tragedy and Hope for any educated reader who already has a fair understanding of recent history and who is open to an account of history that sheds new light on the causal connections underlying recent human experience.
 It'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry, cry, cry.... October 8, 2009
K. Burns (Atlanta, GA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
One laugh...more of a quiet giggle really, page. 1135 "To do the wrong thing is bad, but to do it incompetently is unforgiveable." Ok, so the context probably would make it more humorous.
The rest of the book actually had genuine tearful moments for me...but I'll get to those in a bit.
Quigley started off objective and gradually became so subjective that by the last chapter I was questioning his sanity. I wonder if writing this book eventually drove him mad? It started off on a high- which I would've given 4 stars. But, gradually he began to inject his opinion and by the time he became mayor of crazy-town in the last chapter- I was considering 2 stars. But I will compromise and give it a 3.
The historical account was great. He tended to go into numbers and percents that really weren't significant, which tended to make me daydream or fall asleep on the book. The most interesting and informative chapters were: 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, and 18. Many in between were torturous and long. This book of 1300+ pages should have been a series of at least 5 books. It is hard to recall the 1st chapter by the time you've finished the last.
Moments of genuine tears, for those who are libertarian-leaning republic lovers...I had to put the book down & relieve frustration on pages 866, 950, and 1247. FYI- this whole democracy thing is summed up to be a delusion. Feels like a true life Matrix. I completely agree with him that democracy is fleeting and an authoritarian system will be inevitable due to citizens being out-weaponed by governments. An idea that I've had for a while which was reinforced on page 1200.
Around page 1249, put on your seatbelt, because you're about to witness an homage to psychopathy. Quigley rants on for pages in a chaotic diatribe on the middle class. Basically, the world was happier when it was just elites and their slaves. There are many moments of snobbery throughout the book, but the last chapter reveals it all. He also has a point in an earlier chapter where he denegrates the John Birch Society and Joe McCarthy for pages, and pages, and pages. Two subjects I know very little about, but it was rather distracting. I'll give him points for some amazing put downs. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of his condescension. But I read the book for history, not for personal vendettas.
Its a 1300+ page book, so it is impossible to comment on every high or low. I'm sure there will be things I think of later. Ultimately, it starts off well, plateaus, and then quickly tailspins. I understand what the tragedy is...but the hope was lost somewhere in an overwhelming attempt by Quigley who might have bitten off more than he could chew.
mystical imperalism April 12, 2009
somegothswanderbymistake
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Before I read this stuff, I thought there was nothing all that mystical about Imperalism. Boy, I sure was wrong. Harold Quigley was given access to some stuff and he looked at the stuff and verily, he declared it was good.
apparently this inspires people. It mainly just makes me nervous.
 Interesting book, daunting task to read it all April 9, 2009
Tyler Durden (Portland, maine)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I would consider this to be the best reference book I have encountered. The problem is, it is soooo long. It has taken me months to get the point I have reached in the book. It's not exactly a children's book. Very good source of information however.
200 years of western civilization in a single book March 28, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a long book, still it is a very concise analytical resume of 200 years of western civilization around the world. It is the life long research of the brightest historian in modern times.
I studied history during 13 years at school, wasted time. A lot of propaganda and a few distorted facts to prove it. Get your history straight.
The only issue: it does not cover the last 43 years.
If someone knows a recent history book as good as this, please mention it.
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