Chronicle of the World

This history of the world takes key periods or dates and outlines the important events. At the beginning of the book a double-page spread covers 1000 years, but by the 18th century a double-page spread may cover just two years, or even one year if it is of great significance. Stories are reported in the present tense to help convey the drama of events as they happened. The volume also includes 50 essays giving an overview of complicated events or subjects. It covers the history of all the countries of the world. It describes not just the stories of wars and power struggles, but is also about art and cultures, science and religions. When possible, contemporary illustrations are used to support stories, but in many cases reproductions from later periods are the only visual material available. The period of each picture is clearly indicated.