Peace in World History

History professor Peter Stearns traces both the idea of peace and the nature of peaceful periods in human societies since pre-history. His book raises the question of whether humanity has made progress towards a peaceful world. The discussion proceeds in terms of major chronological periods, beginning with the status of peace in hunting and gathering and early agricultural societies. It moves through the great classical civilizations, Buddhism in India, the advent of Christianity and Islam with a comparison of those religions in relation to peace. The study turns to the early modern period, from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries, the use of guns and cannons, and the retreat of both peace itself and thinking about peace. The discussion becomes more detailed going into the late 19th century, as new thinking about peace emerges along with new kinds of weaponry and then the world wars. Stearns finds the history of peace to be complicated and often disappointing. At the same time, it "captures soaring ideals and imaginative practical efforts." Annotation c2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Peter N. Stearns is Provost and a professor of history at George Mason University.