The 365 Most Important Events of the 20th Century
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Your birth may have been important to you and your parents, but what was the rest of the world thinking at the time? Find out in Paul Baldwin's The 365 Most Important Events of the Twentieth Century, an overview of the scientific, political, and social milestones from 1900 to 1999. Focusing on "the events that have had lasting repercussions or influence" allows Baldwin to narrow down the field a bit--1967 lists the Six-Day War, Thurgood Marshall's Supreme Court appointment, and the first heart transplant, but omits the release of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, for example. Each item briefly outlines what happens, why it was significant, and how it still affects us. Some of the events might not have been earthshaking at the time, such as the introduction of the Diners Club card, but have changed the world (now we "don't leave home without" a major credit card). The writing is sharp and clear, often spurring the interested reader on to further historical research. And while not everyone will agree with every choice--"Stephen Sondheim Ascendant"?--The 365 Most Important Events of the Twentieth Century is a good précis of the past hundred years. --Rob Lightner
Book Description
The 365 Most Important Events of the Twentieth Century provides a comprehensive view of the last hundred years through the touchstones that have shaped our century. The year 1916, for example, brought both Einstein's theory of relativity and the first official birth control clinic. Theyear 1953 was marked by the discovery of the DNA double-helix structure, the first successful impregnation with frozen sperm, and two men's victory over the 29,000-foot Mount Everest.Chronicling the front-page stories that made social and political headlines, Paul Baldwin also touches on the moments that were not necessarily noted at thetime but that went on to influence the future profoundly. From Agatha Christie'sinvention of Hercule Poirot to the official acknowledgment of AIDS in 1981, the events detailed in this book range from the inspiring to the terrifying to the wonderfully silly. Capturing our collective mistakes and triumphs, The 365 Most Important Events of the Twentieth Century offers a welcome perspective on where we have come from and where we might be headed.
The 365 Most Important Events of the 20th Century
The 365 Most Important Events of the 20th Century,Paul Baldwin,Harper Perennial,0688156282,1900-1999 (20th century),20th Century World History,20th century,Chronology,General,History - General History,History, Modern,Miscellanea,Modern - 20th Century,Modern history,Reference,Twentieth century,Reference / General
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