"Peter Ackroyd launches a 10-part world history series, which is particularly welcome in a field conspicuously lacking in inspired writing. Ackroyd speaks with a passion about his subject, combining an overview with well chosen evocative details."
The Financial Times Magazine 20/09/03

"Both volumes are riveting...these are not just sound-bite snacks for short attention spans, but unfolding feasts that leave you with a sense of wonder that, in the mind-boggling span of the Universe, you are there at all to read them."
Sunday Times (Culture) 28/09/03

“It is written as an exciting and dramatic story which makes it possible to absorb an enormous amount of information with little effort. Beautiful DK art and production values reinforce the quality.”
The Guardian 06/12/03

“The most enjoyable non-fiction of the year for readers of nine and over….both (books) demonstrate how gripping facts can be when expounded not in snippets but in continuous prose.”
Sunday Times (Culture) 07/12/03

“the illustrations are cinematic in their detail.”
The Times

“The start of a wonderful 10-part history of the world, explored with clarity and joy”
Sunday Express 07/12/03

“this is a reference book that is at the one time a history, geology, and science compendium …. Highly recommended.”
The Herald