30-Second Twentieth Century (Paperback)

The 50 most significant ideas and events, each explained in half a minute

Jonathan T. Reynolds

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You probably know, or think you know, quite a bit about what happened in the 20th century – chances are, if you’re reading this, you lived through at least some of it – and you may have referenced the Cuban Missile Crisis, the double helix, or the Wall Street Crash in conversation. But even for people who were there, it was the fastest-moving hundred years in history, so refresh your memory with these pacey profiles on everything from Sputnik to Stonewall.

30-Second Twentieth Century presents a unique approach to modern history, condensing 100 years of innovation and art, politics and conflict, triumph and disaster, into 50 graphic snapshots that offer an instant appreciation of the way the world revolves and evolves. 

Consider which events define a period of history and why. From the Red Army to Black Monday, from Woodstock to the World Wide Web, this is the fastest way to travel in time.

Editor Jonathan T. Reynolds is Professor of History at Northern Kentucky University, USA. He is a Fulbright Scholar, and has received the Aggrey Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Milburn Outstanding Professor Award. He is the author of several books, including Africa in World History (with Erik Gilbert) and Sovereignty and Struggle: Africa and Africans in the Era of the Cold War. He teaches courses in African History, History of Imperialism, World History, the History of Food and Historical Methodology.