The Essential World History, Volume I: To 1800

From the dawn of civilization to the complex challenges that proliferate in our world today, "The Essential World History, Volume I: To 1800," offers you a fascinating look at the common challenges and experiences that unite the human past and inform our understanding of the future. Authors Duiker and Spielvogel use colorful visuals, maps, dramatic first-hand historical accounts, differing views of past events and reviews of popular movies to give you an insightful perspective on the human experience over time. The easy-to-read narrative is organized around seven major themes (science and technology, art and ideas, family and society, politics and government, Earth and the environment, religion and philosophy and interaction and exchange). These themes help you understand the course of world history, make connections across chapters and understand today's world in a meaningful context.