<p>The book has a unique status as an <b>emblem </b>of human <b>culture</b> and <b>civilization</b>. It is a vessel for sharing stories, dispersing knowledge, examining the nature of our extraordinary species and imagining what lies beyond our known world. Books ultimately provide an invaluable and comprehensive record of what it means to be human. <br><br>This volume takes a curated list of <b>fifty</b> of the most <b>influential </b>books of all time, putting each into its historical context. From ancient game-changers like the <i>Epic of Gilgamesh</i>, through <b>sacred texts</b> and works of <b>philosophical </b>rumination by the likes of Confucius and Plato, via <b>scientific treatises</b>, <b>historic ‘firsts</b>’ (like the first printed book) and <b>cultural </b>works of enduring impact (think Shakespeare, Cervantes and Joseph Heller), these are volumes that are at once both products of their societies and vital texts in moulding those same civilizations. It would take a lifetime and more to read and absorb all of them. But this volume allows you to become ridiculously well read in just a fraction of the time. This isn’t a celebration of the canon, it’s about the books that have changed how we think and live – and which have <b>changed </b>the course of <b>history</b>.<br><br>Other books in the series:<br><i>A Short History of the World in 50 Places</i> (9781789291971)<br><i>A Short History of the World in 50 Animals</i> (9781789292954)<br><i>A Short History of the World in 50 Failures</i> (9781789296938)<br><i>A Short History of the World in 50 Lies</i> (9781789294606)</p>