The World by Simon Sebag Montefiore

Loading player...
On Monday 20 March 2023, amidst a National Shut Down in South Africa, local author Mphuthumi Ntabeni met up with Simon Sebag Montefiore, in a quiet nook of the Book Lounge in Cape Town, to discuss Simon’s exquisite new book - The World.

The world is a fresh and original history of humanity, unlike any previous world history book: it uses family, the one thing all humans have in common, to tell the story. In his new book, Simon steers us through an interconnected world via palace intrigues, love affairs and family lives, linking grand themes of war, migration, plague, religion, medicine and technology to the people at the heart of the human drama. It features a cast of extraordinary span and diversity.

The World is both a celebration and an indictment that takes the human story, from caves to drones, in a single narrative by a master storyteller.

We hope that you enjoy this episode of Pagecast.
3 Apr 2023 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance by Bronwen Everill

Join Mphuthumi Ntabeni in conversation with historian and author Bronwen Everill, as they discuss her book Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance. This conversation offers essential insights into how we can rethink the African continent’s economic past, present, and future. More about the book: We need to think differently about…
16 Jun 35 min

Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "The Authors Rewriting Childhood in South Africa"

In this special episode of Pagecast, we bring you an inspiring conversation recorded live at the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair. Hloniphile Mzangwa is in conversation with four South African children’s authors who are transforming childhood through stories that celebrate empathy, inclusion, cultural pride, and representation. Meet the incredible voices behind…
30 May 28 min

Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "Thoughts on Love"

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Pagecast at the Kingsmead Book Fair hosted by Kelly Ansara. What was meant to be a thoughtful discussion on writing the moment quickly turned into a passionate conversation about one of life’s biggest questions: is love fate or choice? Join Kelly as she chats…
1 Jun 26 min