Civilisation

A Personal View

Kenneth Clark

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Paul Graham's answers to 'What should I read to learn more about history?'

Book Synopsis

"Civilisation" by Kenneth Clark is a profound exploration of human history and artistic development. Spanning across centuries and continents, this book delves into the realms of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy to uncover the essence of civilisation. Through a meticulously crafted narrative, Clark takes readers on a journey filled with captivating anecdotes and insightful analysis.

Beginning with the dawn of civilisation in the ancient world, the book unravels the fundamental elements that shaped human society. It examines the rise and fall of various empires, highlighting their artistic achievements and cultural contributions. From the grandeur of Egypt's pyramids to the intricate beauty of Greek sculptures, Clark meticulously guides readers through the rich tapestry of human imagination.

As the narrative progresses, the author explores the pivotal role of religion in shaping civilisations, showcasing the influence of Christianity, Islam, and other major faiths on art and architecture. He delves into the transformative power of Renaissance, the artistic genius of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and the cultural revolutions that swept across Europe during the Enlightenment.

Clark's captivating prose seamlessly weaves together historical events with artistic masterpieces, providing readers with a deep understanding of the interplay between creative expression and the societies from which it emerged. With eloquence and clarity, he examines the impact of war, power, and social change on the trajectory of civilisation, drawing connections between broad historical movements and individual artistic achievements.

"Civilisation" is a thought-provoking journey through centuries of human achievement, capturing the universal quest for beauty, meaning, and progress. Clark's masterful storytelling and profound insights make this book an essential read for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complex tapestry of human civilisation.

Explore More Books

See All
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
Guns, Sails, and Empires
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field
Writing My Wrongs
Dance to the Tune of Life
Bet The Farm
The Interpretation of Dreams
The True Believer
American Prison
National Economic Planning
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Memos From The Chairman
Darwin's Blind Spot
Once a Warrior
The Intel Trinity
Power Failure
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Expectations Investing
Everything All At Once
Glass
The Sun Also Rises
History of the World
Code
The Jungle Book
The Creative Society
The Most Important Thing
The Ordeal of Civility
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Awareness
A Universe From Nothing
DeMark Indicators
The Red Queen
Walter Benjamin
The Man Without a Face
Moorish Spain
End The Fed
Rational Ritual
Being You
The Blue Sweater
The Remains Of The Day
Influence
I Am Not a Tractor
The Trump Century
The Little Prince
A Magic Web
The Outsiders
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Dreamland
The Dao of Capital
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
My Inventions
Your Dad Stole My Rake
Nixonland
Long Walk to Freedom
It's About Damn Time
A Higher Loyalty
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
Dream Yoga
Sam Walton
The Quest
The Knowledge
In the Company of Giants
The Enchiridion
The Creative Act
Democracy In America
Blink
Hillbilly Elegy
War
Small Is the New Big
The Language Instinct
The Snowball
Slow Horses
Anything You Want
Children of Dune
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
Financial Derivatives
Born Standing Up
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
Self Reliance
End of Illness
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Innovating Out of Crisis
Reamde
Burn
The Immortality Key
Joy on Demand
The New Science of Strong Materials
The Invention of Air
When The Facts Change
Shantaram
The Order of Time
Built from Scratch
#AskGaryVee
Blitzscaling
Billion Dollar Whale
100 Best-Loved Poems
Man's Search for Meaning
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman