A History of Civilizations by Fernand Braudel

“A History of Civilizations” is a book by the French historian Fernand Braudel, first published in 1963. The book is a comprehensive and ambitious attempt to provide a global history of human civilization, covering a period of over 5,000 years.

Braudel’s approach to history is unique in that he focuses not only on political and military events, but also on the broader social, economic, and cultural factors that shape human civilization. He argues that these broader factors, such as geography, climate, and technological innovations, have a much greater impact on the course of history than individual leaders or events.

The book is divided into three volumes, with each volume covering a different period in human history. Volume 1 covers the period from the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the end of the Middle Ages. Volume 2 covers the period from the Renaissance to the French Revolution, and Volume 3 covers the period from the French Revolution to the mid-20th century.

Throughout the book, Braudel emphasizes the importance of long-term trends and patterns in human history, rather than individual events or personalities. He argues that the rise and fall of civilizations is not determined by chance or individual genius, but by deeper structural forces that operate over centuries or even millennia.

Overall, “A History of Civilizations” is a monumental work of scholarship that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of human history. Braudel’s approach to history continues to be influential among historians and scholars today.