Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century

The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century
The World Is Flat A Brief History of the TwentyFirst Century
Author: Thomas L. Friedman
ISBN-13: 9780739461624
ISBN-10: 0739461621
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 488
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 6

3.9 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

17 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Friedman does a great job of explaining complex global changes in a way that any layman can understand.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is the best book I've read explaining our changing world. He answers the question, Why has everything been outsourced? And how that is good for those who can think outside the box. This book also gives one a glimpse of what the future is going to be like. A must-read for anybody with an interest in contemporary culture.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on
Helpful Score: 2
An eye opening read. I read this book almost a year ago and find myself referring to it often when talking to others about globalization.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Damnably prescient book by the author of Hot Flat & Crowded and From Beirut To Jerusalem. Lots of insight. Of course the "energy companies" had our backs collectively at all times. "Literature is news that stays news" according to Ezra Pound and so far this book appears to qualify in spades.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a comprehensive, yet detailed overview of the technological developments of the
last fifty years. Friedman talks about subjects that touch everyone's daily lives--Walmart, UPS, Dell--and how it is all tied together. The flat world is a fact of
everyday life for us now. It is fascinating to read about how it all happened.
usseryron avatar reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
In the modern world, work flows to whatever spot on the globe where it can be performed most efficiently, and almost instantly. Friedman offers meaningful economic insights and anecdotes that put a new face on NAFTA and the future.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on
Helpful Score: 1
The globalization happens very quickly in the information age and its faces change constantly. Friedman is very knowledgeable on the subject and through his extensive travels and ability to land interviews with some very prominent CEOs and public domain figures he is able to construct the "big picture" of the 21st century world and the major forces that shape it. He's also not hopelessly optimistic or pessimistic on the subject - he's a realist and describes things for what they are.
The second part of the book, where Friedman talks about USA's experience so far in the globalization, should be a required reading in secondary schools and used as a long-term strategy guide by the leaders of the people of the US, if they want to even have a chance to stay competitive in the remainder of the 21st century.
Overall, itis an excellent book, especially this edition, because it is updated with information from 2006-2007.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Deep and detailed. Some interesting ideas from someone who has traveled extensively.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An outstanding book with important and relevant lessons for America on staying competitive in the newly flattened world.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 7 more book reviews
Intersting, Had to read for work and glad I did
jjares avatar reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 3263 more book reviews
The world has flattened because trade and political barriers have dropped and the digital transformation has made it possible to be connected to billions of people to transact business or collaborate, or whatever. The moneyed class is being created by desktop freelancers, innovative startups, INDIVIDUALS.

Friedman makes much of Walmart's supply chain -- which is amazingly sophisticated. While he was gushing about how wonderful Walmart was at revolutionizing their supply chain, he did not mention how the largest retailer in the world, Walmart, is providing workers jobs that do not give them a living wage.

This is a very troubling book and it should be required reading for every high school student. It is sobering reading and teachers need to change their curriculum now to face these new truths. In order to be employable -- in good jobs -- the workers of tomorrow will have to compete worldwide.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 346 more book reviews
Excellent book. A clear and thoughtful exploration of how the world is now doing business and how it is changing the world.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 127 more book reviews
A must resd to understand how the modern world works.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on
I think this should be required reading for anyone in college considering going into technology, or anyone already working in technology that hasn't read it. The only thing constant is change and this book explains a lot; hopefully we can train and grow better predictors for what can be, and entrepreneurs to capture the essence.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 11 more book reviews
Sobering Fantastic Read
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 5 more book reviews
classic Friedman. If Armin is loking at this the cover is a little dirty.
reviewed The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century on + 106 more book reviews
National Bestseller