National Geographic Almanac of World History

From the first civilizations to the 21st century, this wide-ranging, compulsively readable book encompasses all of world history—great ages and monumental events; the rise and fall of cultures; names, dates, and statistics; and stories galore. Designed as an authoritative reference that's also irresistible to browse, it's a brilliant blend of narrative, analysis, detailed facts, and visual variety including sidebars, time lines and more than 200 maps and illustrations.

The book offers four revealing ways to look at the human epic. In Milestones, 12 essays address key developments from agriculture and writing to modern democracy and other important themes; next, Major Eras takes a chronological approach, examining 11 eras from prehistory to the present. World at a Glance traces specific subjects through the centuries, with entries on Wars, Religions, Human Accomplishments, Leaders, Artists, and more. An expansive appendix listing presidents, popes, and other world figures, as well as a bibliography, a glossary, and a comprehensive index round out this amazing reference.

A book that meets the most demanding standards of accuracy and graphic excellence, this is an indispensable tool for students and an illuminating, engrossing exploration for anyone interested in the who, what, why, when, and where of world history.

Produced by a current and former editor for National Geographic, this volume presents a thematic treatment of world history intended to serve as a starting point for the general reader. Each article consists of a two-page spread that describes major milestones such as the evolution of writing, the emergence of colonialism, and the rise of democracy, or focus in on particular societies or major world events. Also included are "at a glance" articles presenting very brief entries on major wars, religions, leaders, scientists, philosophers, explorers, artists, and periods and movements. As is to be expected from a National Geographic publication, the volume includes numerous illustrations to accompany the text. This is a paperbound edition of a work first published in 2003. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Patricia Daniels is an author and editor for National Geographic who has written, edited, or contributed to books on history, science, and geography, most recently the National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space. She lives in State College, Pennsylvania.

Stephen G. Hyslop has been a writer and editor for Time-Life Books and National Geographic, as well as author of Bound for Santa Fe and Chroniclers of Indian Life. He lives in Virginia.

Douglas G. Brinkley is the director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center for American Civilization and Professor of History at Tulane University. He authored two New York Times Best Sellers: Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War and Voices of Valor: D-Day; June 6, 1944. He is the official historian for NBC News. Dr. Brinkley is contributing editor for the Los Angeles Times Book Review and American Heritage and a contributor to the New York Timesand The New Yorker.