A Criminal History of Mankind
by Colin Wilson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Colin WilsonEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-11
ISBN: 1845600029
Number of pages: 702
Publisher: Mercury Books
Book Reviews of A Criminal History of Mankind
Book Review: Wonderful prose and research
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought my initial copy of this book almost 30 years ago. I am drawn to re-read it every four to five years and everytime, am overwhelmed by the effortless blending of research and information into an exceptionably readable style. An academic myself, I know how difficult it is to explain complex ideas in simple terms, so I salute Colin Wilson for his fluid style and readability.
Essentialy, Mr Wilson's argument asks: "Can people be bad?" His discussion and evidence suggests firmly that, yes, people can be; which negates the "Nature Vs Nurture" debate which has raged steadily for so many years. His annecdotal examples support his hypothsis in a believable and compelling manner. I find this a facinating insight into the pychological make up of the distanced person, who views their fellow human almost as an abstract, whilst thinking: "As I am above this, I shall and can, do as I please."
A truly insightful study into the human mind and its depths. Essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered about the fundamental nature of humankind.
Summary of A Criminal History of Mankind
Colin Wilson tells the story of human violence from Peking Man to the Mafia - taking into account the calculated sadism of the Assyrians, the opportunism of the Greek pirates, the brutality that made Rome the ?razor king of the Mediterranean?, the mindless destruction of the Vandals, the mass slaughter of Genghis Khan, Tamurlane, Ivan the Terrible, Vlad the Impaler and more. Each age has a unique characteristic pattern of crime. In the past three centuries crime has changed and evolved until the sex killer and the mass murderer have become symbols of all that is worst about our civilization. But this is not just a study in human depravity; it is an attempt to place crime in perspective against human discovery, exploration and invention. The result is a completely new approach to the history and psychology of human violence.Murder & Mayhem Books
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