The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 01 : $b Prolegomena; Egypt, Mesopotamia

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"The Historians' History of the World" by Henry Smith Williams is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This expansive work presents a comprehensive narrative detailing the rise and development of nations through the lens of over two thousand prominent writers throughout history. It serves not only as a collection of historical records but also as a critical examination of how history has been written and interpreted over time. The opening of this volume introduces the reader to the motives behind historical writing, tracing its evolution from the glorification of rulers in ancient times to the more nuanced and critical approaches of modern historians. It discusses the transition of history from being primarily a means to uphold the status of kings and gods to a discipline that seeks to entertain and instruct the populace. Williams emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which these historical records were created and the inherent biases of different periods, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia.