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The Decisive Battles of World History cover art

The Decisive Battles of World History

By: The Great Courses, Gregory S. Aldrete
Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete
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Summary

Throughout history, military engagements have altered the course of historical events, causing major changes both on a global scale (the battles of Yarmouk & al-Qadisiyyah in 636 determined the religious/linguistic orientation of the Middle East that persists today) as well as within individual cultures (the 1836 battle of San Jacinto gave the United States nearly one-third of its continental territory). For these reasons and more, the study of pivotal battles is a highly useful analytical tool and an important component for understanding world history.

In these 36 dynamic lectures, Professor Aldrete leads you in discovering the military conflicts that have had the greatest impact in shifting the direction of events and defining our world. Across 4,000 years of history, you'll explore nearly 40 key military engagements, from the milestone battles of Western civilization to their counterparts in the Middle East, India, and Asia.

Through his dramatic and evocative descriptions, using special maps and animations, Professor Aldrete brings the events vividly alive, taking you through the moment-by-moment unfolding of each battle. Throughout the lectures, he uncovers fascinating background material that highlights the drama, poignancy, and scope of the experience of war. This engrossing course provides unique insights into world civilizations by revealing the profound impact of military battles in human history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Great Courses; 2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about The Decisive Battles of World History

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    4 out of 5 stars

Good insight into great battles

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

didn't finish this one as it got a bit much towards the end. A big problem with audible in general is that the chapter numbers give no indication as to what they contain. For a book like this, chapter titles are important as there is no index one can consult to establish where particular information is. This is a problem with all non-fiction on Audible

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12 people found this helpful

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Simply Brilliant! 10 Stars...

What a brilliant and a fabulous piece of work by Prof Gregory! It amazing how he gives apt details of all the described wars. Apt because it is neither superficial nor too elaborated to get boring.
Prof Gregory has not only exhibited his deep and genuine excellence as a great historian but also demonstrated what a fantastic story teller he is. For me, listening to this book was a fabulous journey, both educational and intriguing. My next step is going to check out his other books and get on to another journey of great experience. Loved it! Just go for it.

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Americas Centric

Mexico Incas Civil war and Quebec

not that interesting if you are European

strange choices

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1 person found this helpful

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Entertaining and enlightening

I was particularly interested in this as I’m very well aware that I have a very limited European view and knowledge of military history and this did not disappoint covering the globe in its review and mindset. I also found it an enticing question to consider how we are to decide what makes a battle deserve a place on the list.

Entertaining and enlightening combined and highly recommend

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Fantastic journey through history of warfare

Generally just an amazing journey through the history of warfare and wider world history. A must read.

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Spoiler alert. Aljubarrota is not included.

Well, any one who has an interest in history likes to play this game. Prof Aldrete plays it well. Erudite and convincing , he presents arguments why his choice differs from that of the reader. I learnt about some battles unknown to me.Equally I admired his ability to focus, in 30 minutes, on the key elements of battles which I understand very well, such as Vienna 1683 and Midway 1942.
As Aljubarrota is not included just check it out. It explains why Brazil speaks Portuguese and not Spanish

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Major Omissions

Some omissions like Meggido or Waterloo or Romel-Montgomerry Al Alamein are major omissions. Better replace some seemingly less important battles with some major ones.

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One of my favourite new books

As someone interested in military history, this book is exactly what I always wanted to read. It's very well written with historical background, solid research and interesting anecdotes. It is also very well balanced and not prejudiced in one direction or the other.

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Decisive Battles

Really amazing. Informative and very well narrated. Truly great course. Keeps you entertained and riveted

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Fascinating

I've listened to several of the free Great Courses and while they have all been very good, this one has been my favourite. I cannot fault its narration or content which held me gripped like an immersive story. To see the connections and butterfly effects of each of these battles was truly fascinating.

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