Traces human development in the "New World" and Pacific islands from prehistoric times through the 1850s.

At head of title: American Museum of Natural History. Includes index.

The emergence of civilization in Mesoamerica -- The Maya -- The rise of the Aztecs -- Civilizations in the Andes -- The Inka state -- Constructing Japan -- The occupation of the Pacific islands -- Stone-built monuments of the South Pacific -- Prehistoric ways of life of native Americans -- The clash of cultures.