History comes to life in this comprehensive overview of humankind, from earliest times to the present day. Each page is filled with stunning visuals and thought-provoking text that make this book an instant classic. From the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Gulf War, from the Xia and Shang Dynasties of Bronze Age China to the new space race, from Egyptian hieroglyphics to the digital age—here, in vivid color and crisp narrative, is the sweeping story of the history of civilization. Every chapter includes: You can complete your collection of recent National Geographic history books with and by Michael Farquhar — and you will treasure earlier National Geographic titles by this author, including .