Review: The Dutch East India Company: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: The Dutch East India Company: A History From Beginning to End
Author: Hourly History
Publication: October 17th 2017
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 3/5★

The Dutch East India Company
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Once valued at close to seven trillion dollars by today’s standards, the Dutch East India Company, formed in 1602, became the world’s first multinational corporation. In the nearly 200-year reign of their empire at sea, the Dutch East India Company amassed unfathomable fortunes, laid the foundation of the modern globalized world, and built monopolies that controlled the economy of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe and the East Indies.

Inside you will read about...
✓ The Superstructure of the VOC
✓ The Growth of VOC’s Colonies and Trade Routes
✓ The Golden Age
✓ Reorientation and the Expansion Age
✓ The Great Wars and Conquests of the VOC
✓ Decline and Fall
And much more!

The rich history of the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie commonly referred to as the VOC, and its titanic exploits are as astonishing as the twelve labors of Hercules. Uncover the organization that in no small part built the world we live in from the ground up.

I very randomly decided to read this book because I needed something short to read on the train while commuting and I'm glad I did so. I can't say it's my favorite Hourly History book because this isn't the kind of history that interests me the most or that I know a lot of but I did think it was a decent read and some aspects were very fascinating to read about.

Before reading this book I knew absolutely nothing about The Dutch East India Company. I've always liked the age of exploration but I've always been told about countries like England, Spain and Portugal and not about Holland at all, which is really odd considering I live in Belgium. You'd think I'd have heard more about all that.

I was very surprised to learn that when The Dutch East India Company was at it's high point in its time it was more successful than companies like Apple in this time and day. If that doesn't blow your mind, I don't know what will. So the little facts like that were interesting to learn and read about. The chapter of The Golden Age was my probably my favorite.

Overall, The Dutch East India Company: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History was a short read that I easily read in 30-ish minutes. I think people who are particularly interested in this topic will enjoy it a bit more but I still thought it was a fascinating topic and good read.

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

Caligula: A Life From Beginning To End

King Arthur: A Life From Beginning To End

Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning To End

The Great Pyramid of Giza: A History From Beginning To Present

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: The Great Pyramid of Giza: A History From Beginning to Present by Hourly History

Title: The Great Pyramid of Giza: A History From Beginning to Present
Author: Hourly History
Publication: January 30th 2018
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Link: Amazon
Rating: 1.5/5★

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Ancient Egypt has mystified and entranced generation after generation. Their mastery of architecture, their complex religious ideologies, and their peculiar views on death have given modern-day readers much to ponder. Few, if any, of their remaining relics have produced the awe and spectacular wonder of the Great Pyramids of Giza. These three architectural masterpieces have stood for over five thousand years despite looting, exploitation, and the slow erosion of time.

Inside you will read about...
✓ The Birth of a Wonder
✓ The Architect and Exterior Construction
✓ The Construction of the Interior: The King’s Tomb
✓ The End of the Old Kingdom
✓ The Birth of Egyptology
✓ The Great Pyramid Today
✓ Fringe Theories on the Great Pyramid
And much more!


This book will describe the history, theory, and ideology behind the construction of the last remaining ancient wonder of the world.

Only 1.5 stars for a book about the Great Pyramid of Giza?! I know, it was was unexpected for me too. I just couldn't give it a higher rating than that. It's weird because I never rated a book by Hourly History lower than three stars. Ancient Egypt also happens to be my favorite topic to read and learn about so in a way it makes sense that I would be more critical toward this particular book. I'm still not sure if I should post this review at all. I never really felt that way before about any review I've written. But honestly... reading this book made me really frustrated. I hope this review doesn't get to scathing but I just really want and need to voice my opinions about this.

First of all I need to say that this book is VERY mainstream. And personally, my opinion about anything related to ancient Egypt or the ancient world in general is anything but mainstream. I used to be a little more reluctant with voicing my opinion about these kind of things but no more of that now! There is really so much that's being kept secret about the history of humankind and a lot of mainstream historians, egyptologist and archaeologist just don't want to hear anything that doesn't fall in a straight line for them. Sad, but true.

So the Great Pyramid of Giza... In the book (and by mainstream historians) it's said that it was meant as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu (who's also known as Cheops) and who ruled in the 4th Dynasty. Except that there isn't actual proof that this pyramid was build as a tomb for Khufu. None whatsoever! They can't even say it was a tomb at all because once again no proof. The mainstream historians can't even agree if the reign of Khufu lasted 23, 46 or even 63 years. So there's really big chance that they're dead wrong about the Great Pyramid as well.

Anyway, aside from all that the book had also two quotes by Zahi Hawass, who's one of the most famous Egyptologists in the world. And let's just say I'm not a fan of him and his actions in the past. I'm not going to get into that right now but I can say from what I know and read about him that he's not a very decent person. And I'll leave it at that.

Initionally I was going to rate this book with only one star but I decide to give it a half star extra because there was a (short) chapter dedicated to fringe theories. So I have to give the author a little credit for at least mentioning those, aside from the whole ancient aliens thing which is entertaining for sure but something I'm more than skeptical about. There were some interesting things in this book and I'm sure those who just want to read an introduction to the Great Pyramid and certain facts about ancient Egypt would enjoy reading it. It wasn't all bad but in the end it was way too mainstream and conventional for me. I just believe that the ancient Egyptians as well as humankind in general were far more advanced and older than mainstream historians gives them credit for. 

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

Caligula: A Life From Beginning To End

King Arthur: A Life From Beginning To End

Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End
Author: Hourly History
Publication: January 2nd 2018
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 3/5

Byzantine Empire
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According to history books, the Roman Empire ended in 476 CE with the fall of Rome. But if you asked most people alive at that time, they would have pointed you to what they considered the continuation of the Roman Empire—the civilization we now call the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines, however, were more than just a remnant of Roman glory. At its geographical peak, the Byzantine Empire stretched out across the Mediterranean world. Culturally, the Byzantines both preserved the knowledge of the classical world, much of which was lost in the West, and added to it.

Inside you will read about...
✓ A Divided Empire
✓ The Fall of the West
✓ Rising to Glory
✓ An Age of War
✓ The Destruction of Icons
✓ The House of Macedon
✓ The Comnenian Revival
✓ The Final Decline
And much more!

Shaped by its classical roots, its Christian religion, and the changing medieval world, the story of the Byzantine Empire is one of both glorious victories and terrible defeats, of a civilization that rose from the brink of destruction again and again, and of the development of a culture whose vestiges remain today.

This book was a good introduction to those who are interested in learning more about the Byzantine Empire. It wasn't my favorite Hourly History book out of all I have read so far but I liked it for sure and it really was fascinated. All the emperors and their names made my eyes cross a little, though. It could get a little bit confusing unless you're really focused on the book.

The book covers the rise of the Byzantine Empire, wars, the house of Macedon and the final decline among others so there were lots of new things for me to learn, which I thought was great. The one thing that stood out to me were how  the Byzantine Empire basically just kept coming back for more even when they seemed to be on the brink of destruction. Can't help but admire that in a way.

Overall, Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History was a candid and quick read, spotlighting the Byzantines. They certainly were a fascinating bunch and I'd just love to see more books set during those times, whether it's ficion or nonficion. So recommendations are always much appreciated. 

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

Caligula: A Life From Beginning To End

King Arthur: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Question:
Which Hourly History review should I post next?

Galileo: A Life From Beginning To End

or

Spartacus: A Life From Beginning To End

Review: King Arthur: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: King Arthur: A Life From Beginning to End
Author: Hourly History
Publication: September 19th 2017
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4/5★

Dating back to the fifth century, the legend of King Arthur, his Queen Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table is an integral part of British national mythology. From its beginning as a few lines of Latin text written in a sixth-century monk’s hand, Arthurian legend has blossomed over the years into a unique universe built on the real foundations of Britain’s Dark Ages and the principles of ancient chivalry.

Liberally expanded over the years to include romantic entanglements, an imaginary ancient empire, and the threat of the supernatural, the legend of King Arthur remains as engaging today as it was in medieval times. King Arthur’s life, whether it happened or not, cuts to the core of the Matter of Britain and reveals the heart of Britain’s fanciful idea of its origin.

I actually really liked this short book about King Arthur and where his myth came from. It doesn't go into deep about it all but it's only 37 pages so it's to be expected. 

The story of king Arthur and the knights of the round table has been a favorite of mine for ages so I really liked learning more about where it supposedly all started, which is around the time that the Romans left Great Britain and the remaining people needed a hero. 

The book also goes into the different stories that surround the legend of Arthur and maybe it's just me but I couldn't help but notice how some of these stories, though not all of them, were very similar to some Greek myths that we all know very well. For example, I couldn't help but draw parallels between King Arthur and Hercules. It was striking actually.

For a free book, King Arthus: A Life From Beginning to End was a pretty good one. It was a really quick read as all Hourly History books are since they can be read in way less than an hour and can be read in one sitting even. 

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

Caligula: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: Caligula: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: Caligula: A Life From Beginning to End
Author: Hourly History
Publication: September 12th 2017
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 3/5★

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Caligula was one of the first rulers of the Roman Empire, and yet numbers among the most famous. His family history is mired in political scandals, tragedy, and murderous plots to forward the agendas of shadowy cabals that sought to oppose the nation in its early infancy. The full story of his life begins long before his birth, and his legacy continues long after his sensational murder at the hands of those closest to him.

Inside you will read about...

✓ The Rise of the Roman Empire
✓ The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
✓ Caligula’s Rise to Power
✓ An Emperor Driven Mad
✓ An Emperor Becomes a God
✓ The Assassination of the Emperor
And much more!

A true product of his time, Caligula’s rich and colorful story is sure to draw you in until the very end.

"The history of Ancient Rome is as rich in intricacies and plot twists as any modern-day soap opera."

Caligula is probably the one ruler of the Roman Empire that fascinates me the most. A lot of mystery and intrigue surround him and his short reign of three years and ten months so I didn't hesitate to start this book once I received it.

I do have to admit that I was a tad disappointed that the first few chapters weren't actually about Caligula's life. It was mostly about some of the rulers who came before him, especially Tiberius. In my opinion, it wasn't actually until chapter six (out of the 9 + the conclusion) that it was really about Caligula. I do understand that we had to have a little backstory about the men that came before him but still, I would've rather read more about Caligula himself. 

Aside from all of that I did like this book as I do all of Hourly History's book. I don't think I could ever get tired to read about ancient Rome because I always learn something new. It wasn't any different with this time around so that in itself was a positive point for me. The Julio-Claudian dynasty was definitely very fascinating, it can't be denied.

Overall, despite wanting just a little bit more about Caligula himself, I definitely liked Caligula: A Life From Beginning to End. As always these books are quick reads and can easily be read in one sitting, which is what I did with this one. 

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: Titanic: The Story Of The Unsinkable Ship by Hourly History

Title: Titanic: The Story Of The Unsinkable Ship by Hourly History
Publication: April 3, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction ~ History
Purchase Links: Amazon (FREE)
Rating: 4/5 ★

★ Titanic ★
It has been more than one hundred years since the RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic ocean. The disaster has captivated history buffs and non-history buffs alike, and it is easy to see why. Some of the most illustrious people of the day were on board: some survived, and some did not. Legends abound about whether the ship’s maiden voyage was cursed. And then there is the ship itself: arguably the most luxurious vessel to ever travel oversea.

Inside you will read about...
✓ Conceiving of and Building the Titanic
✓ “The Ship of Dreams”
✓ Setting Sail
✓ The Passengers
✓ The Iceberg and the Sinking
✓ The Aftermath
✓ The Titanic Remembered and Re-Discovered

The disaster holds secrets and stories of love and bravery, cowardice and greed. Explore these and other themes that surround the sinking of the grand ship, Titanic.

I really enjoyed reading this story about the RMS Titanic, the so-called 'Unsinkable Ship.' Everyone is the world has got to know the story of the Titanic that sank in 1912 but there's always a whole lot more to learn about it and its dramatic voyage. That's why it was such a good read.

My favorite chapters were about the ship setting sail and especially the chapter of 'Passengers.' It contained a lot of information both about well known survivors and the ones who perished with the ship. The aftermath was also pretty interesting to read about, I must say.

It was also interesting to read about when the Titanic got rediscovered in 1985 by Robert Ballard. Because of this we know so much more about the ship that was a mystery before. I also liked how this book delved into the subject of why this disaster is the one that is most memorable. Very intriguing! 

Check out my other reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End by Henry Freeman (Hourly History)

Title: Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End 
Author: Henry Freeman
Publication: April 3rd 2016 by Hourly History
Genre: Nonfiction ~ History
Purchase (free everywhere): Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Rating: 3/5

☆ Napoleon ☆
This book is for anyone that enjoys crucial turning points in history. Napoleon was an unremarkable man who managed to change the entire landscape of the world 200 years ago. He has been hailed as a military genius and his victories are still studied by international armed forces to this day.

Inside you will read about...
✓ The Little Corporal
✓ Napoleon Takes Charge
✓ The Napoleonic Code
✓ On the Road to Empire
✓ A Continent Under Siege
✓ Backroom Deals and the Division of Empire
✓ Exile and the Napoleonic Last Stand
✓ Everyone Wants to Rule the World

Through military exploit and the Napoleonic code, he was a man who came out of nowhere and changed the world. This book describes not only how he did it, but why he did it; delve into the psychology of one of the most heroic despots ever known - Napoleon Bonaparte!

Everyone in the world has got to know who Napoleon Bonaparte is. I've always taken an interest in historic military generals but I don't know a whole lot about Napoleon actually, just the basic facts about him. And that Victor Hugo wrote about the battle of Waterloo, of course. So this was a pretty interesting read.

Now this book wasn't my top favorite or anything but it was still great if you want to know more about Napoleon. The first chapter about his early life really intrigued me. And I also thoroughly enjoye the chapter of 'Exile and the Napoleonic Last Stand.'

I also can't help but compare Napoleon to Julias Caesar (I've also read the One Hour History book about him.) I feel like there were many similarities in both their lives and how they come to power, which is actually really interesting to think about.

Overall, Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End was a good read. There's a lot of information as well as interesting facts about Napoleon's life that I didn't know before. But I think even people who are more familiar with the general will also enjoy it a lot. 

Check out my other reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Review: Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History
Publication: November 13th 2016 by Hourly History
Genre: Nonfiction ~ History
Purchase (free everywhere): Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Leonardo da Vinci

Creativity is in our bones. It is found in our very DNA, something not known to Leonardo da Vinci or anyone else who lived in his day and time. All he did was to uncover the hidden genius which lay within himself, and he used that inner genius to the very best of his abilities.
Leonardo da Vinci is best known for some of the world's most masterful paintings, but he was so much more than merely another artist with paints and brushes. Born to a peasant woman in 1452, Leonardo would go on to astound the world he lived in with his artistry and his inventions.

Inside you will read about...
✓ Early Beginnings and the Italian Renaissance
✓ Leonardo's Personal Life
✓ Leonardo's Artistic Beginnings
✓ Early Paintings 1480s-1490s
✓ Paintings of the 16th Century
✓ Scientific Studies and Anatomy
✓ Engineering Inventions
✓ Later Life and Old Age
✓ Facts about Leonardo da Vinci

In this eBook, discover for yourself the brilliance of da Vinci. Uncover some of his best works of art, including the Mona Lisa, and see why he kept so many notebooks and observations about everything under the sun. See where his far-reaching talents led him, and how you can be more like Leonardo da Vinci than you ever thought possible.

Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most intriguing people in history. I've always been fascinated with his life. So it's no surprise that I ended up really enjoying this short book. I even learned a few more things about him that I didn't know. I loved that.

My favorite chapters were 'Early Beginnings and the Italian Renaissance' and 'Facts about Leonardo da Vinci.' I've been very much intrigued about his early life so I thought that first chapter was great to start with. The facts about him were also very interesting to say the least.

It's a quick read so of course it's perfect if you want a quick read to learn a little more about Leonardo's life or if you're in between books (like I am at the moment.)

Overall, Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning to End was a book I really enjoyed. As usual with a 'Hourly History' book I'd really recommend it to any reader! 

Check out my other reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!