Universal history (genre)

Universal history, also known as world history or global history, is a genre of historical writing that aims to present a comprehensive account of the human past. Unlike more specialized historical fields which focus on particular regions, nations, time periods, or themes, universal history seeks to encompass the totality of human experience across the globe. It strives to identify overarching patterns, connections, and developments that have shaped the course of history for all of humankind.

Key characteristics of universal history include:

• Global scope: It considers events and developments across different regions and cultures, aiming for a truly worldwide perspective.
• Longitudinal view: It often spans from the earliest human origins to the present day, or at least encompasses vast stretches of historical time.
• Synthesis and integration: It seeks to synthesize information from diverse historical fields, disciplines, and sources to create a coherent and unified narrative.
• Emphasis on interconnectedness: It highlights the interactions and interdependencies between different societies and regions, emphasizing the exchange of ideas, goods, and technologies.
• Search for universal themes: It often explores universal themes or patterns in human history, such as the rise and fall of civilizations, the spread of religions, the development of technology, or the changing nature of social and political organization.

Universal histories have been written throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. Notable examples include the works of Herodotus, Polybius, Augustine of Hippo, Ibn Khaldun, Voltaire, Oswald Spengler, Arnold Toynbee, and William H. McNeill.

The genre has faced various criticisms, including the challenge of achieving genuine comprehensiveness, the potential for Eurocentrism or other biases, and the difficulty of identifying meaningful patterns across such a vast and complex subject. However, it remains a valuable approach for understanding the broad sweep of human history and the interconnectedness of the world.