The definitive record of humankind's global story. From early man to the 21st century, the rise and fall of empires, the birth of nations, culture and conflict are all explored in revealing detail. Key Era Overviews build up a story of the changing world through the centuries, while historical developments are examined continent-by-continent, region by region, complemented by timelines and a detailed glossary. An unsurpassed visual chronology and an invaluable family reference.