Comments on: Review: A History of the World in 100 Objects, Neil MacGregor

By: cbjames

cbjames — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:01:20 +0000

I’ve used their website with my class this year. It’s very good to. I have the book but haven’t made a stab at it yet.

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:59:29 +0000

Full disclosure: I have very defined (and mostly negative) opinions about the BM’s collecting and collections, both as an academic and a former museum professional. I’m listening to the podcast with one ear fully trained to the podcast-as-PR element which runs as an undercurrent through it and I also use that podcast in my teaching as a demonstration of supporting mission while supporting British political claims to the collection. That said, I do very much wonder how much time is spent in the book talking about *how* these 100 pieces got to the museum? Thus far the podcast has only made one throwaway mention of ‘controversy’ which it hasn’t addressed. (Plus the music they use in the podcast drives me absolutely nuts, but that’s just personal opinion!)

By: Beth F

Beth F — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:24:55 +0000

I wish I had this book when I lived in London. I spent quite a few hours in that museum.

By: jessicabookworm

jessicabookworm — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:33:20 +0000

What an interesting concept

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:01:47 +0000

How long are the chapters? I ask because I’ve read books similar to this–History of Art in 1000 Objects, or something like that–and the essays were really too short to convey much history or information.

By: Kailana

Kailana — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:55:09 +0000

This sounds really interesting. There is a Canadian book of the same nature by Charlotte Grey (well, sort of the same. I haven’t read either book so it might be entirely different). Anyway, I really like the idea of this book and will add it to my wish list.

By: Aarti

Aarti — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:58:50 +0000

I LOVED this podcast and since then have really wanted the book. Have you listened to the podcast, too? It sounds from your review that you have not. I would be interested to know if the book is basically just a verbalization of the podcast, but with pretty pictures. In which case- I want it!

By: Sam (Tiny Library)

Sam (Tiny Library) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:47:16 +0000

I have this book, I couldn’t resist buying it after a trip to the museum. I am glad to see you enjoyed it, you’ve inspired me to give the book a go. Although I like history, I’ve been a bit intimidated by it’s size….

By: zibilee

zibilee — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:55:04 +0000

I have been considering this book for some time now, and wondering just how deeply each item and it’s repercussions on history are represented, and although you mention that this seems to be just a surface gleaning, it might be something that I would enjoy. I am going to have to look into it and see what I think of it. Fantastic review today, and thanks for including the photo of the Lewis chessmen!

By: bermudaonion (Kathy)

bermudaonion (Kathy) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:58:39 +0000

What a unique approach to history. The book sounds fascinating!