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

It's Complicated by Nivashni Nair Sukdhev (with Arini Vlotman)

This week on Pagecast, host Arini Vlotman sits down with acclaimed local author Nivashni Nair Sukdhev to discuss her new novel, It's Complicated. They talk about second chances, hidden secrets, and the healing power of true love. More about the book: Love. Secrets. Second chances. Nivashni Nair Sukdhev is back…
2 Mar 39 min

101 Remarkable South African Women by Lizette Rabe (with Nancy Richards)

Discover the untold stories of South African women who changed history. In this episode of Pagecast, Nancy Richards sits down with Professor Lizette Rabe to talk about her book, 101 Remarkable South African Women. From ancient trailblazers like the "Eve of the West Coast" to modern icons including Thuli Madonsela,…
23 Feb 28 min

The Distance Within by Nicola Brandt

This episode of Pagecast is brought to you in collaboration with the ARTdacity podcast, just in time for the Investec Art Fair later this month. This week, Jo-Ann Strauss interviews Nicola Brandt about her book, The Distance Within, which features photographs and video stills made over more than a decade…
9 Feb 27 min

The Condiment Book by Claire Dinhut

We have a bonus episode of Pagecast for you today featuring Claire Dinhut (Condiment Claire) and Karen Dudley. This is the perfect conversation ahead of the festive season as the two chat all about condiments, bold new flavours and secrets about how to elevate any dish. More about The Condiment…
15 Dec 2025 46 min