The 100: A Ranking Of The Most Influential Persons In History

About this book

In 1978 when Michael Harts controversial book The 100 was first published critics objected that Hart had the nerve not only to select who he thought were the most influential people in history but also to rank them according to their importance. Needless to say the critics were wrong and to date more than 60 000 copies of the book have been sold. Hart believed that in the intervening years the influence of some of his original selections had grown or lessened and that new names loomed large on the world stage. Thus the publications of this revised and updated edition of The 100. As before Harts yardstick is influence: not the greatest people but the most influential the people who swayed the destinies of millions of human beings determined the rise and fall of civilizations changed the course of history. With incisive biographies Hart describes their careers and contributions. Explaining his ratings he presents a new perspective on history gathering together the vital facts about the worlds greatest religious and political leaders inventors writers philosophers explorers artists and innovatorsfrom Asoka to Zoroaster. Most of the biographies are accompanied by photographs or sketches. Harts selections may be surprising to some. Neither Jesus nor Marx but Muhammad is designated as the most influential person in human history. The writers arguments may challenge and perhaps convince readers but whether or not they agree with him his manner of ranking is both informative and entertaining. The 100 revised and updated is truly a monumental work. It promises to be just as controversial just as thought-provoking and just as successful as its predecessora perfect addition to any history or philosophy reference section.