Concise Atlas of World History » (Concise)

Featuring 135 two-page spreads that highlight key moments in world history, this major new history atlas includes a skillful blend of maps, text, and illustrations to explain major events—from the origins of civilization to the dawn of the third millennium. Unique for its multicultural approach, the atlas draws on the latest research into Asian, African, and South American history and incorporates the expertise of specialist experts to examine specific eras—from the ancient world to the 20th century. Among the topics addressed are early civilizations, the Silk Road, and classical history; Islam, the Vikings, and the Incan and Aztec empires; the Age of Exploration, the Reformation, and the scientific revolution; the Age of Revolutions; and the Great Depression, the Second World War, and America after 1945. 9 3/4" x 13".

Publishers Weekly

This useful resource is also dangerously absorbing, allowing readers to pore over charts, maps and short articles on such subjects as the golden age of Athens, the 16th-century expansion of the Mughal Empire through India, the foreign policy of Mao Zedong and the break-up of the Soviet Union. This overview of human history, with 450 maps and 160 illustrations, begins with the emergence of Homo sapiens and culminates with the post-WWII era, moving among various regions of the globe in chronological order. It's divided into sections on ancient, medieval, early modern, Enlightenment and 20th century history, with easy-to-read two-page entries covering such subjects as "Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire, 100-500" and "The Development of Australia and New Zealand Since 1790." The section on postwar life includes charts showing migration patterns, female enfranchisement, distribution of wealth across the globe and changes in the environment. O'Brien, a professor at the London School of Economics, has done a fine job editing this concise edition, an excellent gift book for students of history. (Nov.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.