Author Description

The Illustrated History of the World is a new, lavishly illustrated edition of J. M. Roberts's bestselling History of the World. Now completely revised and updated, this comprehensive 10-volume set traces the tumultuous story of humankind from the origins of Homo sapiens to the most recent upheavals in Africa and the Balkans. The rise and fall of civilizations; war, revolution, and peace; the attempts of peoples to mold and sustain their national identities; the impact of powerful individuals on world events; the interplay of state and religion; the social and economic factors that influence societies--these are some of the themes of this masterful, sweeping narrative. More than 2,000 photographs in color and black and white present a unique visual panoply of the march of history. In addition, more than 200 maps and artworks in full color bring complex situations into clear focus. Fully integrated sidebars and feature boxes narrow in on key themes, providing an additional layer of interest. Each volume also contains a double-page, illustrated chronology of major events, plus a bibliography and detailed index.Dr. Roberts' revisions to the ancient history portion of the text, made specifically for this edition, ensure that the latest findings of archaeology and anthropology are taken into account. At the opposite extreme of the timescale--the modern world at the threshold of the 21st century--the distinguished author has amended the existing text and added new chapters to reflect all the complex adjustments in the balance of politics and power since the first edition was published in 1976. Authoritative, brilliantly written, and superbly illustrated, this outstanding and popular work of scholarship makes the whole sweep of history vivid and accessible as never before.