Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. If you like your history with a touch of whimsy and a ton of tongue in cheek, you will enjoy this book. The author has a well developed sense of humour but it does not distract from his basic premises. He looks at those moments in human history when someone, somewhere got that lightbulb moment. And thanks to that moment, the trajectory of humans zigged or zagged. These moments are few and far between when the original idea occurs. But there are numerous lightbulb moments that will build on the basic idea that changes everything. He also rectifies some kudos that were showered on certain civilizations- Rome being a big one- where the original idea came from somewhere else but the Romans took it to a fine art. And had a much better PR team to promote their accomplishments. The book is filled with some fascinating ideas and information where he is not adverse to point out inconsistencies and faulty arguments- like aliens being the source of all human endeavours. The combination of fact and humour makes for an enjoyable and easy to read tome. ~ Susan Johnston (Reviewer), NetGalley

Optimism is a rare commodity these days. Reading Scott Edwin Williams’ new book, Lightbulb Moments in Human History: From Cave to Colosseum, served to remind me of that. The first of a projected three volumes, Williams’ book frames this rather like some of the other big picture attempts to summarize human history in a thousand pages or less, such as those of Yuval Noah Harari or Rutger Bregman. In outlook he’s closer to Bregman, who unabashedly states that we have progressed—things are better than they used to be. To explore this, in a (in his own words) smartass way, Williams has divided early human history into four main areas: STEM, religion, education, and culture. This framing device isn’t heavy-handed, but it is interesting to see religion included, and not always negatively. We live in an era when those I regularly talk to (admittedly a small group), generally feel pessimistic about where we are. A good deal of that is because, as Williams rightly points out, we look at the small picture. Yes, we have big problems such as Trump, Musk, Russia’s ambitions in Ukraine, and global warming. Yes, people are suffering and dying needlessly. If, however, we take a step back, things are far better for far more people now than they ever have been. That doesn’t mean we don’t have big problems to solve—mostly spawned by capitalism and patriarchy—but if people follow historic trends, we may well end up in a better place. Historians won’t take Williams’ book seriously—and indeed, he tries to inject quite a bit of humor along the way—but books that remind us to compare where we are with where we have been can provide much needed optimism. Hope still huddles in Pandora’s box. I was glad to see Williams including religion in his four keys areas to explore. I am convinced that he doesn’t devalue any people in the world (the book covers prehistory, ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Meso-America, Greece, and Rome) but his chapter on Christianity is a bit of an outlier. Although it’s not intentional, his “God of the Old Testament” versus “God of the New Testament” paradigm could been seen as antisemitic. Again, I’m sure Williams doesn’t intend it that way, but those of us who have studied, and continue to study the history of religions realize that that model has been used to justify nefarious plots in the past. Throughout the whole, Williams pokes fun at Erich van Däniken who influenced a young Williams just like he influenced a young me. And growing up requires leaving some things behind, while nevertheless learning something from them. ~ Steve A. Wiggins, https://steveawiggins.com/2023/02/19/have-a-little-hope/

Scott Edwin Williams Lightbulb Moments in Human History From Cave to Colosseum is an absorbing exploration of the most intriguing aspects of human development that will delight those readers who enjoy the popular history genre. ~ https://weneedtotalkaboutbooks.com/, https://weneedtotalkaboutbooks.com/2023/02/24/lightbulb-moments-in-human-history-from-cave-to-colosseum-by-scott-edwin-williams-a-review/

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. The writing is cute and funny. The book is lively and very well-paced, and once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. Every page held my attention. The cartoons are very funny as are their captions. As a history book, the subject matter was covered very well. As a fan of history, I found this book to be well worth reading. As a fan of humor, I found this book well worth reading. ~ Stephen Goldberg (Reviewer) , NetGalley

It's an entertaining story of life and universe. There's some very funny moments and some more informative. ~ Anna Maria G, Netgalley

... quite brilliant in terms of the depth and fun analysis - this is NOT the history I learned at school - BUT I wish it had been. ~ Terry Melia, Greenhills Chats - Exploring Creative Minds - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenhillsChats

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I thought this was unique, very enjoyable, and interesting. The author has a talent for storytelling in a clear and amusing style while conveying facts in an entertaining manner. ~ Ed Bailey (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Fun little history book... Definitely does what it set out to do and does it in a fun way. ~ Dalton M, NetGalley

Unlike other books that offer up humanity’s achievements in a top-ten fashion, Lightbulb Moments in Human History is written in a continual narrative from the witty and humorous perspective of its author. Wit aside, this book is expertly written and packed with interesting information and educational insight into the past. Whether you’re a history buff or looking to expand your historical horizons, this book is a great read. ~ How It Works Magazine, https://www.pressreader.com/uk/how-it-works/20221006/page/91

I thought it would be fun to read - and it was. ~ James S, NetGalley

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well-written, informative, and had just the right amount of light-hearted banter. The addition of memes really added humor and interest, even though the text could stand on its own. I think this gives a wonderful historical overview for people who like their history 'light.' ~ Martin N., Netgalley

Lightbulb Moments in Human History by Scott Edwin Williams is the perfect book for history buffs, with detailed examination of events that helped push humanity forward by leaps and bounds. ~ KY, Netgalley

I loved the little illustrations and cartoons. The history was well informed, well presented and often entertaining. ~ KH, Netgalley

Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ Jim Bessey, https://www.facebook.com/groups/559970588541363

Witty and sarcastic, hands down one of the best history reads I’ve had in a very long time. I laughed and was totally captivated... Fantastic book all round!. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ Lynda Godfrey

Here’s your chance to learn and enjoy Big History in a slightly 'deranged' romp. ~ Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Australian science communicator, author, and populariser

... quirky, interesting and fun and makes history accessible to myriad readers. Take a walk through history's finest moments and find the answers to the questions you were never able to ask! ~ Sarah-Beth Watkins, Bestselling author of Tudor non-fiction

Imagine a modern-style television history program, then add humour and antique illustrations spiced with comic narrative. It's got it all - Kama Sutra! Vestal Virgins! Gladiators! Ancient spaceships! Bloody murders! What's not to love? ~ Mika Paananen, https://painmike.com

Excellent! Fun, educational and interesting - a great combination. ~ Krystina Kellingley, Author of Mistflower - The Loneliest Mouse

What can I say about Scott Edwin Williams’ Lightbulb Moments in Human History? Not only does he admirably trace the continuity of history up to the present day, but he connects it to current cultural references. And he’s hilarious! ~ Sheila E. Young , Author of 'Mac', https://www.tiktok.com/@sheilaeyoung