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
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The One Sentence Persuasion Course
ANSI Common Lisp
Originals
Bull!
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
The Fountainhead
A Soldier of the Great War
Concentrated Investing
It's Earnings That Count
Being You
A Mathematician's Apology
Restoring Our Republic
The Worlds I See
Ender's Game
The Crisis of Global Capitalism
Second Foundation
The Greatness Mindset
God Emperor of Dune
Active Inference
Philosophy and Scientific Realism
Take Back The Game
Thinking and Deciding
Expert Political Judgement
Bringing Down The House
The Making of a Philosopher
Dance to the Tune of Life
When The Wolves Bite
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Walden
The Attention Merchants
The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read
Capital In The 21st Century
War Nerd
Antifragile
How to Teach Your Baby Math
Moonwalking with Einstein
The Making of Europe
Foundation
Vasistha's Yoga
Programming Bitcoin
Chasing the Light
The Most Important Thing
Call Me by Your Name
Unelected Power
Dreamstate
The Money Game
Born To Run
Bel Canto
The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get
David Foster Wallace
The Quiet American
The Hate U Give
Blood and Thunder
Give and Take
Awakening Joy
The Complete Stories
The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Bet The Farm
Working in Public
The First Conspiracy
A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
How to Dress an Egg
The Skeptical Environmentalist
The Emotionally Intelligent Investor
The Museum of Other People
The Making of a Manager
Nothing To Lose
How to Be Topp
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
The Serengeti Rules
The Smartest Guys In The Room
The Holy Grail of Investing
Rise of the Machines
Mess
Once a Warrior
Conflicted
Letters to a Young Scientist
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?
Emergency
The Truth Machine
Bureaucracy
Globalizing Capital
It's All Too Much
The Craft
All Quiet on the Western Front
Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air
The Most Important Thing Illuminated
The Courage To Be Disliked
McMafia
Growth IQ
Change.edu
Trump
Spain in Our Hearts
The Untethered Soul
Changing Minds
The Wisdom of Crowds
Range