Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #371404 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

the best history atlas around
If you're looking for a world history atlas, you've got quite a choice, the most important being: the Times history of the world, the DK atlas of world history, Philip's atlas of world history, and the Macmillan atlas of world history.

The one with the longest history (and probably the best known atlas) is the Times. It has got the most text (300.000+ words). However, if the amount of words are the most important aspect, you should buy a 'regular' history book (J.M. Roberts 'history of the world', for example). The maps in the Times are dated, to say the least. They've got a kind if 70's colour, and don't contain a lot of information (that's probably the reason why there is so much text). It is also the most expensive history atlas available, so it's not really my favourite.

Then there is the Philips atlas. It also has a lot of text (200.000+ words). Although the maps are of a slightly better quality compared to the Times, the are still dated with regard to the technology used.

The Macmillan is a beautiful book, with fantastic maps, containing an enormous bulk of information. Combined with a considerably amount of text, this history atlas is a rich source of information. It has a lot of facts that you won't find in the Times or Philips atlas.

The best pick however, is de DK atlas of world history. I've always liked DK books, because of their beautiful lay-out, and clear text. With this atlas, they confirm their reputation. It uses the latest techniques in mapmaking, with really stunning maps, and also lots of timelines, and special sections on explorations and explorers. I read the book time after time, and I still find new & interesting facts. It is also the only atlas that is really 'going all over the world'. All the atlases claim they have a global perspective. This however, is not true. Especially the Times atlas concentrates a great deal on Europe.

The DK atlas has information on subjects (prehistory, the pacific, exploration) that I can't find anywhere else. This really is THE atlas to buy.

Finally, a word of warning: don't let the name fool you: the National Geographic atlas of world history doesn't really belong in the history atlas section. Yes, it has some maps, but it is mostly "just" a history books, with a lot of photographs.

Most appealing overview on human history ever
I never saw such a beautiful book. You cannot expect such a good publication within the next 20 years - to costly to produce.
"An example of what you can do with a book"
said the Iceland publisher who translated thes e 1/2 miljon words for 250,000 country-men