The Silk Roads Book Summary

In "The Silk Roads: A New History of the World," Peter Frankopan reimagines history through the vibrant lens of trade routes that once connected East and West. This sweeping narrative unveils the cultural exchanges, economic dynamics, and pioneering figures that shaped civilizations across continents. From the allure of silk to the march of empires, the book reveals how these interwoven paths influenced the modern world. With a fresh perspective, Frankopan challenges Eurocentric views and invites readers to explore the profound impact of globalization that began centuries ago. Prepare to embark on a journey that will transform your understanding of history and its lasting legacy!

By Peter Frankopan

Published: 2016

"The past is a different country; they do things differently there."

Book Review of The Silk Roads

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Far more than a history of the Silk Roads, this book is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next. "A rare book that makes you question your assumptions about the world.” —The Wall Street Journal From the Middle East and its political instability to China and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the Balkans across the steppe and South Asia has been thrust into the global spotlight in recent years. Frankopan teaches us that to understand what is at stake for the cities and nations built on these intricate trade routes, we must first understand their astounding pasts. Frankopan realigns our understanding of the world, pointing us eastward. It was on the Silk Roads that East and West first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures and religions. From the rise and fall of empires to the spread of Buddhism and the advent of Christianity and Islam, right up to the great wars of the twentieth century—this book shows how the fate of the West has always been inextricably linked to the East. Also available: The New Silk Roads, a timely exploration of the dramatic and profound changes our world is undergoing right now—as seen from the perspective of the rising powers of the East.

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The past is a different country; they do things differently there.

The Silk Roads

By Peter Frankopan