Hendrik Willem Van Loon

"The Rise of the Dutch Kingdom-A Short Account of the Early Development of the Modern Kingdom of the Netherlands" tells the story of our national usurpation by a foreign enemy during the beginning of the nineteenth century, appears at a moment when our nearest neighbours are suffering the same fate which befell us more than a hundred years ago. I dedicate my work to the five soldiers of the Belgian army who saved my life near Waerloos.

Originally written in 1921 for the author’s grandchildren, Hendrik Willem van Loon’s The Story of Mankind has charmed generations with its warmth, simplicity and wisdom. Van Loon’s witty, amiable tone animates the story of human history as a grand unfolding adventure. Beginning with the origins of human life and sweeping forward to illuminate all of history, his incomparable prose and original illustrations present a lively rendering of the people and events that have shaped the world we live in today. This new version has been brought up to date by Robert Sullivan, incorporating the most important developments of the early twenty-first century, including the war on terrorism and global warming. Engagingly written, delightfully informative and always entertaining, this is the classic of all ages, for all ages.

Originally written in 1921 for the author’s grandchildren, Hendrik Willem van Loon’s The Story of Mankind has charmed generations with its warmth, simplicity, and wisdom. Rather than the dry recitation of events so common in school textbooks, van Loon’s witty, amiable tone animates the story of human history as a grand and perpetually unfolding adventure. Beginning with the origins of human life and sweeping forward to illuminate all of history, van Loon’s incomparable prose and original illustrations present a lively rendering of the people and events that have shaped the world we live in today. This new version has been brought up to date by best-selling historian Robert Sullivan, who continues van Loon’s personable style, incorporating the most important developments of the early twenty-first century, including the war on terrorism, global warming, and the election of Barack Obama. Engagingly written, delightfully informative, and always entertaining, this is the necessary classic of all ages, for all ages.