This isn't a novel with a single plot, but the story it tells is one of the most dramatic in modern history. Volume 7 captures a world in frantic transition. It starts with the death of Queen Victoria, an event that truly felt like the end of an era. From there, Larned chronicles the decade: the Wright brothers' first flight, the first radio broadcast across the Atlantic, and the dawn of the automobile age. But running parallel is a darker narrative—the rise of labor unions and violent strikes, the complex web of European alliances tightening, and the first tremors of the coming global war. The 'story' is the collective human experience of hurtling toward an unknown future.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its perspective. Larned was compiling this history while many of the events were still fresh. You get a sense of what people at the time thought was important, scary, or groundbreaking. It lacks our modern hindsight, which is actually a strength. Reading about the optimism around new technology, right alongside reports of political assassinations and military build-ups, creates a genuine suspense. You're seeing the puzzle pieces of the 20th century being laid out on the table, piece by dramatic piece.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who finds textbook history too dry but loves a good, real-world story. It’s for the reader who enjoys documentaries and wonders about the 'how did we get here?' moments. While it’s a serious reference work, Larned's clear prose makes it accessible. If you've ever been curious about the very specific moment when the old world finally broke and the modern one began, this focused decade-by-decade account is a brilliant and compelling read.