The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation

I've not had this book very long but am about 3/4's of the way through and find it fascinating. I've previously read some of the history he covers in the book, which serves to enhance the experience, but as said, even if I not, this is very straight forward and comprehensible. It's a history lesson of sorts, with a focus well to be heeded by those living in the 21st century. The detail is incredible, and when considering the commentary and asides the scope is awesome and every page is captivating, a must read, no doubt.

VDH does his usual exhaustive treatment of warfare of antiquity. Every page is filled with his encyclopedic knowledge of history. It's a pleasure to read and to ponder its implications for our present.

An interesting historical perspective regarding the fact that nothing political or social is guaranteed forever. Thebes, Carthage, Constantinople, and Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) were the centers of their respective empires which had lasted for centuries prior to their social and in some cases physical destruction. The obvious implication is that there is no guarantee that the US, or any other current power or "civilization", is unassailable and necessarily permanent. Well written, although somewhat repetitive, and very detailed. The discussion of mesoamerica and the Spanish is particularly worthwhile. Worth the read.

Excellent book. Well written And informative

This book has outstanding, detailed historical sketches in the typical VDH style. You are taken to the place and time of the devastating events depicted and shown how the hubris, avarice, and apathy of a wealthy, powerful civilization can contribute to its total destruction. The book provides an eye opening, sobering recognition that the western world today, including the United States, is not immune from the same fate, especially when many of the same mindsets that lead to total devastation in the past are present in our modern culture. As VDH says often: Human nature is always the same across time and space.

I have only just started reading this book, so l am only about 35 or so pages into it. But already I can see that this will be a very interesting, informative, & enjoyable read. As always, Mr. Hanson has done an excellent job in presenting the historical facts about what he is writing, & how they should be a wakeup call to all of us in the 21st Century. If you enjoy this type of factual, historical book, you can't go wrong with "The End Of Everything ".

Victor Davis Hanson is one of the classic sages of our time. He’s able to relate historical events, and situations to the current day in a way that is understandable by all. I always gain great insight into what is happening in current society and its parallels to historical events and times. It’s rare to find an author who makes one think about the cycles in history and how they affect us in the modern day like Victor Davis Hanson I applaud his most latest work-It’s a great read and well worth one’s time

Victor Davis Hanson has done it again. Well written and researched book.

Victor Hanson is one of my favourite authors of history.The topic of his present book is the sudden destruction of cities and entire cultures. He uses the case study approach to explore the destruction of Thebes, Carthage, Constantinople, and the Aztec Empire. The book explores the similarities and differences between these collapses which destroyed entire populations and cultures.In each case, these traumatic events were unexpected and came as profound surprises to everyone involved.

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Excellent Book by Victor Davis Hanson. I've read ancient history as a young man and know the topics that are covered here but the analysis of those known facts viewed here is different because they are put into a formidable other perception; gives more depth to understanding.It's very probable that we would never have come to view things in such a novel fashion as is presented and exposed in this book.Such writings bring much enjoyment to re-reading history.Bravo Mr. Hanson

The author is a gifted writer and thinker. In this book Hansen makes clear how fragile civilization is and thet we had better respect and manage what we have or we will lose it.

its tells the story how the great USA, WILL GO BY THE WAYSIDE LIKE ALL GREAT EMPIRES