From the origins of mankind to the 21st century, spanning the globe and based on the latest research, the complete story of the people, events, themes, ideas and forces that have shaped human existence.

Find out about our history’s turning points: eye witness accounts and biographies give a personal angle to major events. Explore humankind’s legacy from architecture and artefacts to the big ideas that have changed our world. Examine the effect we’ve had on nature and vice versa. And discover how the past has been unlocked: from interpreting ancient documents to analysing ice cores.

A compelling look at human existence: perfect for the family bookshelf.

'A remarkable new book' The Times.

'Compiled by experts and overseen by everyone's favourite lecturer, this is a book to treasure - to dip into, to refer to, to pore over, to digest, to ingest, and to love. It is quite simply perfect... If there were Oscars for books, this would sweep the board.' Gateway Monthly, Nov 07.