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  • Modern Times

  • The World from the Twenties to the Nineties
  • Written by: Paul Johnson
  • Narrated by: Nadia May
  • Length: 37 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)

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Modern Times cover art

Modern Times

Written by: Paul Johnson
Narrated by: Nadia May
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Publisher's Summary

Named one of the Best Books of the Year in 1983 by the New York Times, this fast-paced, all-encompassing narrative history covers the great events, ideas, and personalities of the six decades following the end of World War I. It offers a full-scale, if controversial, analysis of how the modern age came into being and where it is heading.

Beginning with May 29, 1919, when photographs of the solar eclipse confirmed the truth of Einstein's theory of relativity, Johnson goes on to describe Freudianism, the establishment of the first Marxist state, the chaos of "Old Europe", the Arcadian 20s, and the new forces in China and Japan. Also discussed are Karl Marx, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Roosevelt, Gandhi, Castro, Kennedy, Nixon, the '29 crash, the Great Depression, Roosevelt's New Deal, and the massive conflict of World War II.

©1983 Paul Johnson (P)1988 Blackstone Audio Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What the critics say

"Johnson's insights are often brilliant and of value in their startling freshness." (Los Angeles Times)
"Frequently surprises, even startles us with new views of past events and fresh looks at the characters of the chief world movers and shakers, in politics, the military, economics, science, religion, and philosophy of six decades." (The Wall Street Journal)
"Truly a distinguished work of history...Modern Times unites historical and critical consciousness. It is far from being a simple chronicle, though a vast wealth of events and personages and historical changes fill it....We can take a great deal of intellectual pleasure in this book." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about Modern Times

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Excellent

Very informative book. Great read. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all.

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Masterpiece

Johnson’s Modern Times is a joy to experience. A sweeping indictment of 20th century nostrums that produced the most death, injury, suffering, and heartbreak in our species history. Yet, buried under the corpses is quiet beat of hope that we’ve learned our lesson. A masterpiece.

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Magnificent book, weak reader

The book itself is a joy to read - but the narrator, unfortunately, very much detracts from it. Sorry to say it, but her voice is rather grating. Shame really.

I would recommend a paper copy.

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1 person found this helpful