As a bind-up edition of four historical atlases, this volume encompasses world history from the earliest peoples to the present day. The titles are chronological, but within each one information is presented by region, with colour maps to accompany the text. As well as the history of civilizations, cultures and countries, the everyday lives of ordinary people are also recorded, with particular attention paid to the effects of religious and political changes. Beginning with "The Ancient World", the book then traces the themes of "Trade and Religion", "Exploration and Empire" and "Revolution and Technology".