By: (William) Winwood Reade (1838-1875)
"Martyrdom of Man" is a thought-provoking and ambitious work that explores the development of human civilization from prehistoric times to the author's present day. William Winwood Reade presents a comprehensive history of humanity, highlighting the political, social, and technological advancements that have shaped our world.
Reade's writing is engaging and informative, providing readers with a deep understanding of the forces that have driven human progress. He delves into topics such as religion, science, art, and philosophy, offering insightful commentary on the impact of these aspects on civilization.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Reade's focus on the concept of martyrdom, asserting that the progress of humanity is built on the sacrifices of individuals who have stood up against injustice and oppression. This theme adds a poignant and thought-provoking layer to the narrative.
Overall, "Martyrdom of Man" is a powerful and enlightening read that will appeal to those interested in history, philosophy, and the evolution of human society. Reade's passionate and erudite approach make this book a valuable contribution to the study of human civilization. Book Description:
William Winwood Reade (1838 - 1875) was a British historian, explorer, and philosopher.
His most famous work, the Martyrdom of Man (1872)—whose summary running head reads "From Nebula to Nation"—is a secular, "universal" history of the Western world. Structurally, it is divided into four "chapters" of approximately 150 pages each: the first chapter, "War", discusses the imprisonment of men's bodies, the second, "Religion", that of their minds, the third, "Liberty", is the closest thing to a conventional European political and intellectual history, and the fourth, "Intellect", which discusses the cosmogony characteristic of a "universal history"
Cecil Rhodes, an English-born South African politician and businessman, said that the book "made me what I am". Other admirers of The Martyrdom of Man included H. G. Wells, Winston Churchill, Harry Johnston, George Orwell, Susan Isaacs, A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, and Michael Foot. A laudatory reference is made to the book by Sherlock Holmes in the Sign of the Four.
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