Great Moments of Humanity

12 events that shaped history

By: Stefan Zweig

Narrated by: Dan Mellins-Cohen

In this book, Stefan Zweig traces 12 fateful events of world history in his unique artistic style: from the conquest of the Byzantine capital of Constantinople by the Turks, to the Battle of Waterloo to Sir Robert Falcon Scott's tragic South Pole expedition. The human character and sometimes simple fate are decisive historic factors that have led to dramatic and lasting changes in the past. Often short, coincidental and highly dramatic moments have the potential to change the future of mankind in a decisive manner – the so called Great Moments of Humanity. The original book has been published in 1927 in Germany under the title: Sternstunden der Menschheit. The audiobook is based on a new translation from 2021 by Philip Knüppel.

Public Domain (P)2021 Aureon Verlag GmbH

Remember when western intellectuals believed in human progress?

Vivid snapshots from decisive moments in human history, this anthology celebrates individual choices and significant accomplishments in human history. Dramatic, energetic, and plausible reimaginings of major historical events told in a compelling manner.

Has Zweig exaggerated sometimes and made problematic predictions about virtual history? Of course. Yet this thin book provides a strong bulwark against widespread cultural amnesia.

Gritty and Enlightening

Like watching a slow motion train wreck off a high bridge, you know what’s going to happen but you can’t look away. The reward is you absorb the gritty details and come away with a much more enlightened view of each scenario. The description of Constantinople was the best of the stories, but I was glad to learn more about Handel and Lenin too.

Impressive

The passion from Zweig writing is unmissable! This book is a fantastic way to learn history.

Good world history book

There was certain stories that were great other ones were kind of dull! Ones that I would all together, Skip, However 4-5 stories and history were fascinating !