C4's Civilisation reviewed

I like Niall Ferguson and I don't like what he has to say, or is it more the way he says it. I remember watching repeats of the original Civilisation program and I found it extremely boring and dense. Ferguson's program fall into the same trap with his narrative but his on screen commentary and insightful use of sources gives a dramatic or comedic punch when needed. The latest episode pushes the former to the foreground as he discusses the medical advancements made in European ruled Africa. The appraoch is fair and balanced, has he gives credit to French egalitarian social and political reforms and attacks the horror of eugenics. The startling and graphic photographs of atrocities had the desired effect on this viewer. I was appalled yet transfixed. His points are clear but the delivery is not always so effective. Overall, I have enjoyed the series and latest was certainly the most engaging and interesting so far.

www.historyontv.co.uk & www.teacherstevenson.co.uk