Here, in simple, readable, lucid language--suitable for a child but delightful for adults, too--is the history of humanity from the first proto-humanoids to the development of the earliest alphabets. Though the details have been refined since this enchanting primer was first published in 1920, this account of the early millennia of civilization as captured by Hendrik Willem van Loon, the renowned early-20th-century popularizer of all things historical, remains a clever and effective portrait of the grand scale of humanity's progress. Fully illustrated, with the author's sketches, maps, and illustrations. Dutch-American author, journalist and illustrator HENDRIK WILLEM VAN LOON (1882-1944) was the first winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal for outstanding American children's book for his The Story of Mankind. Acclaimed for his ability to depict history in a lively and entertaining manner for children and adults alike, he was a popular lecturer and radio personality, equally comfortable on informational programs and celebrity quiz shows.