Neil MacGregor is director of the British Museum and a radio presenter for the BBC program "A History of the World," upon which this unusual and beautiful book is based. MacGregor has selected 100 objects from the museum's gargantuan collection and arranged them chronologically to tell the story of humanity. The book is thus filled with photographs of varied objects, from prehistoric tools to religious artifacts to gorgeous paintings, and more. MacGregor's accompanying essays (most are about five pages long) not only illuminate the background of these objects but also explore larger themes such as religious belief, the development of cities, the role of women and technological advances.
The style throughout is conversational, accessible. MacGregor, for example, shows us a marvelous wooden box from ancient Mesopotamia decorated with scenes from daily life: "You could not have a clearer demonstration of how the structures of power work ... the land workers shoulder their burdens and deliver offerings, while the elite drink with the king." An ancient coin from Turkey shows the head of Alexander the Great and was "clearly intended to carry a political message of power and authority."
Each object puts readers in a time and place, as MacGregor blends history, religion and artistic appreciation. A second coin, from early-20th-century Britain, was defaced by suffragettes. Over the face of King Edward VII was stamped the message, "VOTES FOR WOMEN." MacGregor uses this piece of political propaganda to explore the history of the suffrage movement. A final thought: This gorgeously illustrated and educational book is best tasted by the spoonful rather than at long sittings. I'd suggest keeping it either on your nightstand or coffee table for intermittent reading.
