Please, someone recommend me the Daniel Dennett of History

[Ron_Tomkins]

People such as Daniel Dennett and Carl Sagan are the people that have made me so passionate about science and the "naturalism" perspective of reality. It's their eloquence, passion, sense of humor and "child-like" curiosity that makes me devours their material even if at times it becomes a little bit too complex for me to grasp.

For quite a while I've been thinking that I need to learn more about world history. However, it would be far greater if there was someone who like Daniel Dennett, tells the story in a more interactive and passionate way.

Is there someone that any of you know of, who you would go as far as calling "the Daniel Dennett of world history"?.

[a_unique_person]

If you want miltary history in a historical fiction setting, George McDonald Fraser and the Flashman series were quite addictive for me. Old Flashy had a knack for turning up at all the greate battles of his time, and surviving them. From the charge of the light brigade, to the Indian Mutiny to Custers Last Stand, Flashman offers a unique insight into what really happened.

[zigaretten]

Tough one...........but I'll take a stab. If you aren't already familiar with James Burke's series Connections then it is definately worth checking out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(TV_series)

[Ron_Tomkins]

Thanks. I'm gonna check both of them out.

[Ron_Tomkins]

I just checked James Burke and I have to say I am speechless. I have never felt the way I do since... well, yesterday when I saw one of Feynman's videos.

I don't know how to thank you.

So thank you. :)

[SezMe]

Guns, Germs and Steel. A very broad sweep of early human history told in an absolutely engaging manner.

[Childlike Empress]

H.G. Wells "Outline of History" is still fascinating. As it was published in 1919, it contains some concepts that are abolished today (mainly concerning "race"), but overall it's quite unique in style and perspective.

Full text online:
http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/sherwood/Wells-Outline/Outline_of_History.htm

[Foolmewunz]

Well, if you're gonna delve right into Connections, then for some side reading I can truly recommend The Day the Universe Changed. I assume you can still get the TV series, but the book is truly as good and it makes the developments he's discussing come alive. Would that all teachers were as great at it as Burke is.

[Ron_Tomkins]

Thank you for your recommendations, guys. I'll be looking for this material at the library.

[Wowbagger]

Jared Diamond comes to mind. Author of Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse.