The Story of Mankind
- ✓ EPUB — works on Kindle (Send to Kindle) and every reader
- ✓ Download link on screen and in your email
- ✓ Yours forever — no DRM, re-download anytime
Reading a lot? Get all 5081 books for $19.97 →
"The Story of Mankind" by Hendrik Willem Van Loon is a history book published in 1921. Written for Van Loon's children, it traces Western civilization from primitive humans through the development of writing, art, and religion to the modern nation-state. Van Loon included only events he deemed essential to understanding civilization's trajectory. The book won the first-ever Newbery Medal in 1922, recognizing its outstanding contribution to children's literature.
This one is part of the wider library — I haven't written a personal review for it yet. It's the same deal as every book here: a clean, complete, Kindle-ready edition for $2.97. The hand-picked shelf has the ones I've reviewed in full.
Will it work on my Kindle?
Yes — Kindle accepts EPUB directly. Email the file to your Kindle address (Send to Kindle) or drag it over USB and it shows up like any other book. The same EPUB works on Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books and every reading app.
How do I get the book after paying?
Instantly. After checkout you land on your download page, and the same link is emailed to you so you can re-download anytime, on any device.
Why is The Story of Mankind only $2.97?
The book is in the public domain, so the story itself is free to everyone. You're paying for a carefully typeset, proofread edition that looks right on modern readers — and for the curation of picking books actually worth your time.
What if something goes wrong with my download?
Reply to your receipt email and we'll sort it out — resend the files or refund you, whichever you prefer.