Traces the history of the world, from the ancient world of 40,000 B.C. to the present day, covering such aspects as war, society, religion, people, buildings, arts, science, and communication.

Includes index.

V. 1. The ancient world 40,000 - 500 B.C. -- V. 2. The classical world 499 B.C. - A.D. 500 -- V. 3. The early middle ages 501 - 1100 -- V. 4. The middle ages 1101 - 1460 -- V. 5. The renaissance 1461 - 1600 -- V. 6. Trade and empire 1601 - 1707 -- V. 7. Revolution and independence 1708 - 1835 -- V. 8. Unification and colonization 1836 - 1914 -- V. 9. The world at war 1914 - 1949 -- V. 10. The modern world 1950 - present day.