This book covers the time from earliest pre-
history of man to the 21st century (so far). It begins with prehistoric man and
man''s ancestors and continues through the year 2004. The book is profusely illustrated. There are hundreds, if not thousands of pictures in the book, several to each page. There are photographs, paintings, reproductions or reconstructions of various scenes, drawings, cartoons, magazine covers and more. It is the most interesting history book I have ever seen or read. It can be sampled here and there, or read through from start to finish; it can be read by place or time, country or empire. There is a large and excellent index in the back to facilitate cross-referencing within the book. The text is built with the illustrations in mind; a small circled number correlates them. There is a timeline at the bottom of each page to show events and people''s places relative to each other in time. There are colored tabs at the edge of each page to show its current epoch and chapter. Quotations related to the page topic or biographies of important personalities are in colored boxes; framed boxes enhance the main text with relevant and interesting information. It is a fascinating book, well-researched and well-written, making history available and accessible and understandable for young and old alike.