History in quotations - M.J. Cohen

'History in Quotations' is an exciting and original work of historical reference. From the Iraq of ancient Babylon to the Iraq war of 2003 - taking in the histories of Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia in a grand global sweep - it uses the innovative medium of some 9000 chronologically arranged quotations to tell the story of more than 5000 years of recorded history.

The quotations are presented in 90 chapters, each of which focuses on a key historical theme or period. Every quotation is accompanied by details of its source, and, where necessary, by an explanatory contextual gloss. Cross-references guide the user from one quotation to another, related by its subject or its author. A comprehensive index of speakers and subjects allows the user to locate quotations by individual speakers and on specific historical subjects quickly and without fuss.

Simultaneously a work of historical reference and an addictively browsable work of popular history, 'History in Quotations' gives the reader a front-row seat at the unfolding drama of 5000 years of recorded history. Here, expressed through a multitude of historical voices, are words that gave expression to new religious and political creeds; words that voiced the aspirations of the oppressed; words that set nation at war with nation; words that sealed the fates of millions: above all - words that have made history.