Recommend a Book that investigates past civilizations on how they fell a part

[The Dave]

Recommend a Book that investigates past civilizations on how they fell a part


I want a book that looks at the world of all the past civilizations on earth and what eventually led to their downfall, or what kept them strong for so long. Anybody know of a book such as this?

 

[Occlith]

I don't know if this book looks at all past civilizations but you might check Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond

 

[MonkeyCatcher]

I'm not quite sure, but I think that Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamant may be along these lines - I'd have to get that verified from someone who has read this book, though.

 

[mehastings]

I'm not quite sure, but I think that Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamant may be along these lines - I'd have to get that verified from someone who has read this book, though.

I don't know that he is around anymore, but I know that Ions did and enjoyed it There were a few other members who read it and weighed in briefly here.

 

[Peder]

Arnold Toynbee used to be the HUGE big name on exactly that topic ... with 12 volumes to back up his reputation.
A google search on 'rise and fall of civilizations Toynbee' did turn up a few other names, with books that seem like single volumes, but I don't know anything about the field so can't offer any recommendations. I once did try the single volume summary of Toynbee's mammoth study but, no pun, it was greek to me. Wikipdeia might also be helpful in pointing you toward sources.
Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (title?) is a famous classic for that huge story of one of the biggest.
Amazon will no doubt show what other books might be of interest if you go looking for these.
Russ

 

[Peder]

There are also newer books by Fernand Braudel (with a more modern socio-economic view of matters) and Jenifer Roberts on the shelf. Toynbee is mostly out of print, but a new edition of the condensed introduction is available, and he still looks like the man exactly on target for this topic. Spengler, more ancient even that Toynbee, and a classic by now is still available also. I haven't read any of them.
Russ