For every spectacular discovery throughout history, there have been a hundred devastating epidemics; for every benevolent despot, a thousand like Vlad the Impaler; for every cup half-full, a larger cup half-empty. This guide offers presents the darkest events in history.
Doris Flexner Book order


- 2008
- 2000
The Pessimist's Guide to History
An Irresistible Compendium of Catastrophes, Barbarities, Massacres and Mayhem from the Big Bang to the New Millennium
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
This updated edition offers a critical examination of history, presenting a pessimistic perspective on past events. It includes new, unsettling facts that deepen the analysis, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of historical narratives. The book's sharp insights and thought-provoking commentary encourage reflection on the darker aspects of human experience and societal development.