The Transformation of the World: A Global History of the Nineteenth Century (America in the World)

Highly erudite and non-Europocentric analysis of the Nineteenth century as a period during which, in one why or another, the world changed. The author spends much time trying to understand what were the advantages which opened opportunities for Western imperialism, but did not create such opportunities elsewhere, with the exception of Japan. He also analyzes the self-mythologizing which was part of the nineteenth century in Europe, including its positive effect on freedom in the world and its eventual failure due to a combination of racism and self-interest.
The scope of the book is such that some inaccuracies were to be expected. I have to admit to wincing occasionally whenever the author discussed Russian history, which is my field of expertise. I am sure that specialists in other fields will have similar complaints. Still, the important thing about this book is that the author succeeded in analyzing the important global trends which created the world of the nineteenth century. Therefore, even when I felt his claims were arguable, I found stopping and thinking about the trend in question interesting. Therefore I learned a lot from this book.