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The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 22 hrs and 34 mins
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The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
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Summary
Virtually all human societies were once organized tribally, yet over time most developed new political institutions that included a central state that could keep the peace and uniform laws that applied to all citizens. Some went on to create governments that were accountable to their constituents. We take these institutions for granted, but they are absent or unable to function in many of today’s developing countries—with often disastrous consequences for the rest of the world.
Francis Fukuyama, author of the best-selling The End of History and The Last Man, and one of our most important political thinkers, provides a sweeping account of how today’s basic political institutions developed.
The first of a major two-volume work, The Origins of Political Order begins with politics among our primate ancestors and follows the story through the emergence of tribal societies, the growth of the first modern state in China, the beginning of the rule of law in India and the Middle East, and the development of political accountability in Europe up until the eve of the French Revolution.
Drawing on a vast body of knowledge—history, evolutionary biology, archaeology, and economics—Fukuyama has produced a brilliant, provocative work that offers fresh insights on the origins of democratic societies and raises essential questions about the nature of politics and its discontents.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
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What listeners say about The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Richard Brooks
- 10-02-21
Very good
Gives a really great overview of human social development and very helpful understanding of how different civilisations have evolved unique perspectives.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Alex
- 14-12-16
Best explanation of pre-modern Humanity
The audiobook covers all of political history starting from the start of history progressing from bands to tribes to states, covering up till the American revolution. To do this it focuses on different countries showing how they have changed since the dawn of time, all the while taking from their actions political rules/doctrine that could be used to build a functioning society.
Pros
- Detailed historical timeline with commentary and attempts at looking at causation rather than just reading it verbatim
- Amazing look at how to build a political socket
- Tries to take into account all variety of thoughts and process of the time to analyse the outcome
- Completely compellingly, I couldn't stop listening
Cons
-Sometimes some more of the complex words used aren't explained as some of the others are leading for you to look it up.
-Need a lot of free time 31 hours of content
-Lots of names and societies to remember.
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Overall I feel its a must listen for anyone who is interested in politics, also for people who aren't in politics so they can understand how different cultures have been shaped over time. Also as to why some developing countries are being held back.
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29 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Adrian J. Smith
- 27-04-20
Scholarly, but rather Encyclopedic at times
Having read this book upon its publication, it was interesting to experience the audible version for a recap.
However, the experience was not quite the same. The original read was quite vivid and insightful, but the audio experience just seemed slightly lacking. An immediate suspicion was the quality of the narration, which isn't bad, but not too lively. However, it is perhaps the audio experience that highlights what is perhaps the books main defect, burying the insights under excessive elaboration.
Fukuyama's work has many gems of information, such as explanations as to why China developed a strong state over 2,000 years ago, why Russia took a different development path (because of the Mongols) and the contrasting of different development models later in the book.
This book contain some strong insight, but it is often rather ambitious, as though it is trying to cram an entire undergraduate degree in political science into a single book.
The book itself is a superb work and full of information, but the main problem is that it can be difficult to absorb.
A decent book though and essential reading in political science, regardless of one's level.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vasco
- 25-04-21
Learned much from this book
Arguably one of the most fascinating and informative books I have read in my life. In explaining political theory, the author in effect explains the world today and its historical evolution. This book connected a few dots in my knowledge of history, and ended up leaving me with yet more questions to answer
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mike
- 18-12-19
Full of new insights
This book analyzes complex subjects in a very approachable manner. It has given me multiple "lightbulb moments" and was overall a concise entry to the topic. Contents got a little harder to digest towards the end, but I suppose it's due to the more complicated nature of recent history and better sources, rather than author's fault. Highly recommend! Bonus: take a shot every time narrator says "repatrimonialization".
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- scubaking
- 20-05-16
Very informative and well structured
Loved all of it. Very informative book. I plan of reading it a few times so the information sinks in
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 28-09-18
Fantastic, Must Read
This is one of the most interesting, eye opening books I have ever read (listened to), along the same level of Sapiens. I found his arguments unique, compelling and convincing. It changed my worldview and understanding of politics which is no usual thing!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- matt
- 09-09-23
I recommend this book,
a comprehensive exploration of how societies developed political systems. Fukuyama adeptly weaves together anthropology, history, and political science to trace the evolution of governance from tribal affiliations to complex civilizations. A thought-provoking read that challenges conventional narratives and provides valuable insights into the foundational aspects of political institutions. Highly recommended for those keen on understanding the roots of political organization.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ras
- 21-05-18
it was a great intellectual pleasure
The book is a highly enjoyable one with its extremely intriguing contents. It is about political history of India, China, Arabs, Ottoman Turks and major European nations. On the other hand, the first chapters are on evolutionary psychology of political development. In all respects, I have greatly enjoyed the book. The narration was also excellent.
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11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sam Lipscombe
- 30-11-14
Interesting political narative
What did you like most about The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution?
The progression of the story from early political history to the french revolution was captivating, Fukuyama explains the development of nations and their political structures incredibly well.
What other book might you compare The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution to, and why?
For me this book shines a light on political systems that I had previously not given much thought. I would struggle to compare to anything else I have read/listened to.
Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis’s other performances? How does this one compare?
It was well spoken and engaging in its performance. I listened to it on my commute into work and it kept me captivated throughout.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
An insight into political systems that you may not have previously considered.
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5 people found this helpful