Customer Reviews
History: gossip well told - By: Scott Purvis, 28 Nov 2007 
As a History student, this book has proved invaluablein understanding, referencing & question the actions of the many thousands of people who have made our past a fascinating study.
Cohen & Major have distilled eras of history into an accessible, interesting & often humourous volume. And what a volume it is! The mammoth text boasts 9000 quotations, listed according to themes & time periods. If man has been able to record a thought, it will be here.
The range is astounding. Uniquely, the book offers opinions on the issues from a variety of different perspectives. This is particularly interesting. The section on the American Civil War, for instance, lists a collection of conflicting views on its cause, its moral value & its future, all written contemporary to the event. A history student's dream: contrasts can be easily made without trawling through pages & pages of text dense books.
I have referenced this bookin countless essays & am confident that I will continue doing so as long as I amin education. It is more than just a book for academics. It is a perfect coffee table book for skim reading, discovering something new about the world and, perhaps, even re-evaluating your own opinions.
Love it.
'The historian is a prophet looking backwards' - By: , 21 May 2004 This impressive work is well-organised (chronological & thematic, but with a section on quotations about history at the start) & thought provoking, with quotations from major historical players (and the less illustrious) from c. 3200BC to the present day. As well as providing a potted history through the thoughts of the major figures of the day, the quotes can provide students of all ages with a little extra spice for their essays & arguments. Incisive, entertaining & occasionally shocking, 'Historyin Quotations' is balanced, well-informed & a wonderful addition to any reference library.
