Discover H. G. Wells’s sweeping and accessible narrative of human civilization in ‘A Short History of the World’ and read the complete book online for free.
First published in 1922, H. G. Wells’s A Short History of the World is a landmark work of popular history, a single-volume narrative that aims to tell the entire story of humanity from the origins of life and the dawn of civilization through the rise and fall of empires, to the technological and political realities of the early 20th century. Written with the clarity and engaging prose of a master storyteller, Wells condenses vast epochs into coherent, compelling chapters. His purpose is not just to inform, but to provide a unified perspective—a “world view”—that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experience and the steady, if uneven, march of progress.
Wells, a convinced socialist and internationalist, infuses the history with his belief in the potential of human reason and science. He highlights the development of writing, law, science, and social organization as the key drivers of progress, while also critiquing the failures of nationalism, warfare, and inequality. The final chapters, written in the shadow of World War I, are both a warning and a hopeful plea for a unified world state to prevent future catastrophes. While some of his scientific and anthropological details are dated, his overarching narrative framework and his ability to make complex historical processes understandable to the general reader remain deeply impressive.
A Short History of the World was a phenomenal bestseller and has never been out of print. It educated generations of readers and inspired countless other single-volume histories. Its influence on public understanding of world history is immeasurable. Reading it today is not just a lesson in the past, but a fascinating look at how a visionary thinker of the 1920s understood humanity’s trajectory and its possible futures.
On this page, you can explore this foundational work of historical synthesis. We offer the complete 1922 text for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | A Short History of the World |
| Author | H. G. Wells |
| Year of Publication | 1922 |
| Genre | World History, Non-Fiction, Synthesis |
| Language | English (Original) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read A Short History of the World Online
Begin a journey from the primordial Earth to the modern age. Explore the opening chapters of Wells’s grand narrative interactively below.
This preview starts at the beginning of time, but the full, sweeping story of human civilization and Wells’s visionary conclusion are available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this classic of popular history and our extensive library of non-fiction and historical works. Gain a panoramic view of our shared past.
About A Short History of the World
Wells’s achievement is one of synthesis and perspective. He weaves together archaeological, historical, and scientific knowledge to create a single, flowing story.
A Truly Global Perspective
For its time, the book was remarkably global in scope. While it centers on the West (a common bias of the era), it dedicates significant attention to Asian, Middle Eastern, and pre-Columbian American civilizations. Wells presents them as parallel threads in the larger human story, emphasizing cultural exchange and shared milestones.
Themes of Progress and Unity
Two central ideas drive the narrative:
- Progress through Knowledge: Wells sees the accumulation and diffusion of knowledge (agriculture, writing, printing, science) as the engine of human advancement.
- The Necessity of Unity: Having witnessed the horrors of WWI, Wells argues that the next stage in human evolution must be political and social unity on a global scale to manage technology and resources wisely. His history builds toward this urgent conclusion.
Accessible and Engaging Prose
Wells avoids academic jargon. He writes as a teacher and a storyteller, using vivid analogies and clear explanations. Chapters are short and focused, making daunting subjects like the rise of Islam or the Reformation digestible and interesting for the non-specialist.
A Product of Its Time
Modern readers will notice omissions (Africa is underrepresented) and outdated information (especially in early chapters on prehistory and human origins). Some of Wells’s views on race and culture reflect the early 20th-century thinking in which he wrote. Reading it today requires understanding it as a brilliant, influential, but period-piece interpretation.
Why Read A Short History Today?
It remains one of the best introductory histories ever written. Its narrative power can ignite a lifelong interest in history. For the already knowledgeable, it’s a fascinating study in historiography—how a great mind a century ago connected the dots of the human past.
In an age of information overload and fragmented specializations, Wells’s attempt to see the whole picture is more valuable than ever. To read A Short History of the World is to be reminded of the grand arc of our species, to appreciate both our astonishing achievements and our recurring follies, and to engage with one of the 20th century’s most hopeful and worried minds.
FAQ
Can I read A Short History of the World for free?
Yes, you can read the introductory chapters for free via our interactive preview. Access to the complete book requires a subscription.
Is this book accurate by modern standards?
Its broad outlines are sound, but many specifics in archaeology, anthropology, and early history have been superseded by discoveries since 1922. It should be read as a brilliant historical synthesis of its time, not a current textbook.
Is it biased?
Yes, it reflects Wells’s progressive, socialist, and scientific worldview. He is openly critical of organized religion, nationalism, and unregulated capitalism. This interpretive lens is part of what makes the book interesting.
How does it compare to his Outline of History?
The Outline of History (1920) is a much larger, two-volume work. A Short History is a distilled, single-volume version written for a wider audience, covering the same grand narrative in a more compact form.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. Its clear, chapter-based structure is perfect for reading in segments on any device.