This work abandons the conventional distinctions between history and science. Diamond focuses on what ancient people were endowed with in the way of land, animals and plants, and on the confrontations between less and more advanced people to see how this led to today's inequalities.

Talks about the mysterious collapse of past civilizations - and what this means for the future. Bringing together evidence from many sources and piecing together the myriad influences, from climate to culture, that make societies self-destruct, this book shows how unlike our ancestors we can benefit from our knowledge of the past.

Homer called it a divine substance. Plato described it as especially dear to the gods. From the rural Sichuan province where the last home-made soya sauce is made to the Cheshire brine springs that supplied salt around the globe, the author blends political, commercial, scientific, religious and culinary records into a tale.

A reassessment of the 20th century exploring topics such as the breakdown of the Old World, the lack of international accord, the failure of the Arts in recent years and the influence of the Third World.

This study looks at the past 500 years to demonstrate that nations which became great powers declined as their growth rate slowed and their spending on defence continued to increase. The author explains how this can be eased or worsened by clever or short-sighted policy decisions.

Covers events from the beginning of world history to the eve of the French Revolution. This book offers a wide-ranging, chronological summary of the main cultural, scientific, religious and political events of the period. It is accompanied by detailed maps that clarify complex historical situations.

Part of the Penguin Atlas of World History series, which covers events from the French Revolution onwards, this second volume includes events ranging from the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

The classic international bestseller -- a marvellously exciting and stimulating look at the emergence and development of Western civilisation

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte fur junge Leser was published in Vienna. This book presents his history to English-language readers.

Beginning with the origins of human life and sweeping forward to illuminate all of history, this work enlivens the characters and events of every age.

A survey of the civilizations of the modern world in terms of the broad sweep and continuities of history. It is written from a consciously anti-enthnocentric approach.

In 1421, the largest fleet the world had ever seen set sail from China under the command of Emperor Zhu Di's loyal eunuch admirals. But by the time they returned home, Zhu Di had lost control and China was turning inwards, leaving the records of their discoveries to be forgotten for centuries.

A collection of counterfactual essays dealing with military events. Concentrating on some of the most intriguing military history turning points of the last 3,000 years, it contains essays that helps enhance our understanding of decisive events.

Chronicles the destruction of Indonesian island of Krakatoa in 1883. This book describes how one island and its inhabitants were blasted out of existence and how colonial society was turned upside-down in a cataclysm.

Bill Bryson describes himself as a reluctant traveller, but even when he stays safely in his own study at home, he can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. This book is his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization.

It goes beyond the conventional focus to give worldwide coverage of socio-economic, cultural, and religious themes. Due weight is given to regions such as Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania that are comparatively neglected by many competitor titles. It examines a particular region over a specified period, with maps and tables.

Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than simply quench our thirst. Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and cola - have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history during pivotal epochs. This book reveals the intricate interplay of different civilizations by appreciating each drink as a kind of technology.

An exploration of one of the paradoxes of history: the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.