Short History of the World

Vividly written, this "scholarly examination . . . of the major events of the past" (The Bookwatch) brings the outstanding breadth of scholarship and international scope of the larger History of the World within the grasp of every home, school, and library. Roberts brilliantly tells the story of the growing power of humans to remake the world and to control their destinies. Size A. 544 pp. 12,500 print.

Here is a compact and affordable edition of J. M. Robert's acclaimed world history. Vividly written and beautifully illustrated, it brings the outstanding breadth of scholarship and international scope of the larger volume within the grasp of most readers. Completely up-to-date, comprehensive yet succinct, it takes readers on an amazing journey from the first appearance of Homo sapiens to recent chapters in the exploration of space. Informative, beautifully rendered maps, photographs of key archaeological finds, and stunning reproductions of important artwork (some in full color) bring the past to life as Roberts surveys the major events, developments and personalities that have shaped the civilizations of the world.

J. M. Roberts was, until his retirement in 1994, Warden of Merton College, Oxford University. He is author of the half million word History of the World and general editor of The Short Oxford History of the Modern World and The New Oxford History of England.