58 pages 1 hour read

Niall Ferguson

Civilization: The West and the Rest

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Civilization: The West and The Rest (2011), Niall Ferguson explores how Western civilization rose to global prominence from the 1500s onward by leveraging "killer apps" such as competition, modern science, property rights, medicine, consumerism, and work ethic. Ferguson examines these factors across various historical contexts and civilizations, arguing that these features enabled Western dominance politically, economically, and culturally. The book sometimes portrays European empires positively while addressing topics like colonialism, atrocities, and forced labor against Indigenous populations.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Niall Ferguson's Civilization garners praise for its engaging narrative and ambitious scope, shedding light on Western dominance through insightful analysis. Critics commend its readability and intellectual rigor. However, some argue it oversimplifies complex histories and leans too heavily on Western-centric perspectives, potentially alienating non-Western viewpoints. Overall, it is a thought-provoking yet contentious work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Civilization?

Readers who enjoy Civilization by Niall Ferguson are typically interested in world history, economics, and the rise of Western civilization. Comparable to fans of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel and Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens, they appreciate comprehensive analyses of societal development and historical narratives that challenge conventional views.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: World

Politics / Government

Sociology

Themes

Society: Economics

Society: Colonialism

Society: Globalization

Genre

Philosophy