A History of the World in 100 Objects

The Landmark BBC Radio 4 Series

By: Neil MacGregor

Narrated by: Neil MacGregor

In 2010, the BBC and the British Museum embarked on an ambitious project: to tell the story of 2,000,000 years of human history using 100 objects selected from the museum's vast and renowned collection.

Presented by the British Museum's then director Neil MacGregor, each episode focuses on a single object - from a Stone Age tool to a solar-powered lamp - and explains its significance in human history. A stone pillar tells us about a great Indian emperor preaching tolerance to his people; Spanish pieces of eight tell us about the beginning of a global currency; and an early Victorian tea set speaks to us about the impact of empire. Music, interviews with specialists and quotations from written texts enrich the listener's experience.

Objects from a similar period of history are grouped together to explore a common theme and make connections across the world. Seen in this way, history is a kaleidoscope: shifting, interlinked, constantly surprising and shaping our world in ways that most of us have never imagined. This download also includes an illustrated booklet with additional background information and photographs.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Better than advertised!!

Had heard good things, but was surprised how interesting and informative it turned out. Wholeheartedly recommend.

Fascinating look at history

Great podcast series from the curator of the British museum. Telling our shared history in things at the museum

Great introduction to major World History themes

You can get this podcast for free online, but I'm still giving it 5 stars here because it is absolutely wonderful. I appreciate that audible includes titles so that I can listen again to my favorite parts. It really makes me want to go back to the British Museum. I wish there were more books like this .... for Chicago Museum of Natural History, for example.

Great listen

Learnt so much listening to this! Wish it was 200 object’s.. well done Neil. What’s next?

Great

I so enjoyed this podcast when it was first produced that I bought the book and a decade later I bought the Audible version.