Rating: 
Summary: A Fascinating and Largely Accurate Look at the 20th Century
Review: I am a big fan of Paul Johnson because, if nothing else, he is the liveliest writer of history I have ever encountered. This book covers the history of the world in the twentieth century. I have read the earlier edition which only runs until the mid-eighties, prior to the collapse of the eastern bloc which is too bad because I'm sure he has much to say of interest about this event. Johnson is an historian who is unafraid to offend and very strong in his opinions. This book is quite informative and useful for those who already have a knowledge of the basic events about which he writes.
As with all his works, Johnson takes a decisively non-Marxian approach to history. He does not believe that the twentieth century is a history of competing economic forces or even the forces of progress versus the forces of stasis. Rather his running theme is the tragedy and devastation wrought by the combined forces of totalitarian ideology and the collapse of the Western colonial system. ALthough I don't agree with all his views, particularly of some of the American Presidents (he finds Nixon a great leader and Watergate and overblown media created scandle) I see his essential view of the 20th Century as accurate.
I might add that the events of September 11 have shown us that little has changed for the better with the collapse of Soviet Communism and that totalitarianism is alive and well. We should hope it does not becomne the running theme of a history of the 21st Century
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Survey of Contemporary History
Review: I believe Paul Johnson is one of the great historians of our time. He offers a refreshing narrative history of the ups and downs of the 20th century. He covers everything from the tumultuous ravages inflicted on humanity by totalitarianism and collectivist ideology to man's greatest hour of scientific discovery and technological feats. What one considers objective in regard to history, particularly contemporary history - is what one typically what one has an ideological bias for. Having said that, it is understood that most historians are "liberal," so Paul Johnson offers a refreshingly different perspective on contemporary history that challenges the prevailing leftist culture that passes their revisonist version of history as objective. He doesn't play apologist to any totalitarian regimes like the leftists do with communism. Modern Times is well documented and easy to read. Is it any wonder that his books are so widely disseminated by conservatives and libertarians alike. Johnson is unapologetically biased against collectivist ideology. Is it any wonder that his books are so widely disseminated by conservatives and libertarians alike. I also recommend other books by Paul Johnson and Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quigley.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: Johnson's Modern Times is a great work of fiction, full of amusing anectodes and curious characters. The author, in addition to have based this brick-thick book on real people and events of 20th century history, has done what all authors should do, entertain theirs readers.
Rating:
Summary: An interpretive survey of 20th century history
Review: I am an historian, with nearly a Ph.D in the subject. I teach history at the community college level. I have 100's of history books, many of the 20th century. Johnson's book is highly moralistic and interpretive, more so than most history books, and frankly, more so than professional historians (which Johnson is not) would prefer. But it is a brilliant interpretation of the 20th century, one with guts. But it's not the popular interpretation because historians are affected by ideology just like everyone else.
There are some tremendous anecdotes in the book, some information that mainstream histories do not, and never will, provide. That, in itself, makes the book unique and worthwhile. Every chapter is rich, full of interesting data, and intelligent interpretation. I don't agree with all of Johnson's interpretations; but he is always provocative and he makes the reader think. That, along with his emphasis on the decline of moral responsibility, is why a number of people don't like the book.
Americans need to read the chapter "America's Suicide Attempt"--the history of the '60s we still don't get. "The Collectivist Seventies" explains a lot to those of us who lived through the malaise of that decade. "Caliban's Kingdoms" and the "Bandung Generation" are masterful exegeses of non-Western history. Again, I don't agree with everything here; but I do appreciate the fact that Johnson provides information and ideas that are never found in mainstream histories produced by professional historians who are writing to gain praise from their peers. They can't write this because, as Johnson argues, the 20th century (including academia) accepted that "God is dead." And to a conservative Catholic (which I'm not, but Johnson is), that propels the entire century. And that's also why this book is reviled in many quarters. Reader, be aware, this is a book that argues, implicity and sometimes not so much so, that atheistic, relativistic ideas underlie most of the barbarities of post World War I 20th century. Given Hitler and Communism--both Darwinian motivated--it's hard to argue against the point.
The book is thick, and even with Johnson's capable prose, not an easy read for a novice. But there's no better explanation, that I've read, of what happened--and why--in the 20th century.
Rating:
Summary: One of the critical parts of my political education
Review: I got ahold of the first edition of "Modern Times" when I was an undergraduate, and it was a literal revelation. Needless to say, I grabbed up the updated edition when I found it seven years later. I believe it holds up well to time's test today, though I wish that Mr. Johnson would update the book one more time to take account of the current war that the West is fighting against Islamist Jihadism. I believe, though, that Johnson is at his best - though this criticism is, to be sure, applicable to most historians - when he's writing about events far away enough in time that they can be looked at with a really objective eye. In other words, his analysis of the first half of the twentieth century shines with a light that is nearly blinding; his analysis of current, or near-current, events reads more like an op-ed in National Review. (Johnson is a conservative Catholic, which naturally affects his viewpoint). As some others have mentioned, one of the most questionable parts of the book is the segment in which he basically hand-waves away Watergate as presidential misdemeanor. Even us American conservatives have rather different memories of the event. He left me confused in the first edition, also, when he closed the book talking about conscience as an "epiphenomenon" of the evolved mind, which seemed to me to directly contradict everything he'd just spent hundreds of pages writing about. All the same, though, this is an epochal work, and I don't use the term lightly. If you're looking for a different view than what you got in your high school textbooks, run, do not walk, to the link above, and click on it to buy this book. You'll thank me for it. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting reading but odd
Review: It kept my attention but Johnson seemed to omit many major historical events and include many anecdotal personal stories that seemed a little biased, such as pointing out a figures sexual orientation when it had nothing to do with the point he was making.
Rating: 
Summary: Questionable
Review: While I really looked forward to the idea of reading a book to get the whole world's history in the last century, I was disappointed by this work. A good part of the blame ofcourse falls on me for expecting a good coverage of the entire world's history by one author.
Mr. Johnson is certainly not an expert at many of the topics he covers (and pronounces judgements on). In addition, there are no references provided for many of his interpretations.
Given this, I think it is better for someone looking to learn world history to pick up a number of books and develop his/her understanding based on that.
Rating:
Summary: Understanding the world we live in
Review: Even though this book is over ten years old, it is essential for understanding the world we live in. Johnson touches on all of the major issues that influenced the world that formed what became the late eighties and early nineties. He begins with a comparison of the theory of relativity and the concept of moral relativism and how the two somehow intertwined to create a morally relativistic world. Much of what we see today is a world where things are done expediently, and morality is relative to the situation. Moral relativism lead eventually to the wholesale slaughter of millions through war and other depravation. Yet, man kept learning. He revised Modern Times to include the fall of the Soviet Union, which when he first wrote in the mid eighties was still a threat to the free world. IN order to read this book in its entirety, one must get through the introduction. If one has never read Paul Johnson, it may be slow going at first, yet, once you understand his thesis, you will be delighted at his view of world history. The read of this text is captivating. From the Bandung Generation to America's suicide attempt, the lessons for all who dare to see, may we learn from history and not repeat the mistakes of the last century.
Rating:
Summary: Full twentieth century, undisclosed.
Review: To fully understand the causes and consequences of many of the major events of the twentieth century, I would consider this book a must. Johnson has great insight and does an industrial amount of research to provide the reader with a great prose on what happened on the last century. Furthermore, he clearly unveils the myths behind the steel wall and clearly explains the Bandung generation which would give rise to many of the current conflicts in subsaharian Africa. To understand the twentieth century, he is as important as the books he makes reference to, excluding almost nothing, he even begins explaining the great influence of the relativity theory in modern times, yet some profound knowledge in several areas is necessary.
Rating:
Summary: Very Detailed, Well Researched and Well Written
Review: This volume is, in fact, one of the better volumes I have read, studied, or even examined for further researched which only pertains to 20th Century. Detail would be a major understatement in reference to this text. Johnson begins with certain relativistic political theories and philosophies, and demonstrates how these theories or ideas cash out in other certain events. Moreover, Johnson provides a fresh look into some familiar territory. Shedding new light and fresh perspectives on several major key figures of the 20th century (i.e. Hitler, Stalin, Churchill, etc.). I especially like what Johnson had to say about the 80's decade - economic changes, political climaxes (esp. those in communist countries), and other changes or events which have had a lasting impact on into the 90's and today. What is more, Johnson writes in such a way that provides for a wide audience - he seems to be equally at home with those who are seasoned historians, or those who merely want to read history because they enjoy it - and he does so in such a way that he can reach both types at the same time. This is a great contemporary history text written by a first rate historian. If you are wanting a detailed examination of the history in the 20th century, or if you are a military, WWI or WWII history buff then you will not want to be without this text.
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