Author(s): Stuart Berg Flexner

History

14 billion or so years ago, the Big Bang exploded onto the scene and it's all been downhill from there. Now, for every spectacular discovery throughout history, there have been a hundred devastating epidemics; for every benevolent despot, a thousand like Vlad the Impaler; for every cup half-full, a larger cup half-empty. In a world filled with catastrophe, "The Pessimist's Guide to History" is an entertaining timeline bringing to light the darkest events in history so far. First published 1992; this 3rd edtion 2008.