DK History of the World [Hardcover]

Simon Adams (Author), Plantagenet Somerset Fry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1994 | Age Level: 7 and up

Taking a global view of history, a carefully arranged, heavily illustrated chronology opens each chapter with a world map and time chart that give readers a sense of what happened where at any given time.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The publication of this book in 1994 was a milestone in the field of publishing for children and young adults. Working with an international team of historians, the renowned nonfiction publisher Dorling Kindersley used their extensive image library to create a visual chronology of world history, laden with photographs of real artifacts, tools, and art from around the globe, as well as illustrations and photographs of the people who lived in each era.

Summarizing the entire history of civilization seems a daunting task, but the organizational work here is exemplary. Each chapter covers a historical period from several centuries in the earliest times to a 25-year span in recent times. Beginning with a world map, each chapter offers a time line and a double-page spread identifying the major events and developments within five geographic areas: Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. More specific discussions for these geographic areas follow, along with additional illustrations, maps, and small, specific time lines. Because of the organizational scheme using five world divisions, all areas of the world receive equal treatment. An additional 115-page reference section includes a glossary of terms and a comprehensive index. The Dorling Kindersley History of the World is a welcome addition to the family reference shelf for students from fourth grade through high school. (Ages 9 and older)

From Booklist

The latest endeavor of Dorling Kindersley, the publisher who introduced the popular and much-copied Eyewitness series, is this beautifully illustrated history for young readers. This ambitious volume begins 570 million years ago and ends with the 1990s. It is divided into sections of varying increments and includes such major events as wars, political upheavals, and inventions. For example, the section "1000-1200: Monks and Invaders" begins with a world map noting important events during this 200-year period. A table lists important events on all five continents. An asterisk on the table notes that more detailed information on this event follows. A time line running across the bottom of each page is highlighted to show the time period being covered.

Dealing as it does with the entire history of the planet, it stands to reason that each era could not be dealt with at length. However, the stunning photography and art here is enough to pique readers' interest on a variety of topics and hopefully will inspire them to do more reading elsewhere. A final reference section includes a glossary and an index.

This beautifully planned book is an excellent tool for stirring interest in history. There is only one area that could be improved upon: there is no pronunciation key of any type. The format and visuals will attract a wide range of reading abilities (upper primary to middle grades), and children will have no idea how to pronounce such names as Cleisthenes or Menes. Phonetic spelling following the more difficult terms and names would have been helpful.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (September 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564582442
• ISBN-13: 978-1564582447
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you ever wondered "when was that?" you need this book!, January 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: DK History of the World (Hardcover)

DK has mastered the art of presenting facts in a way that mesmerizes both young and old. This book is a resource you will return to time and again. This book goes beyond most school texts by giving a side by side timeline of the entire globe on one page. Not just for kids; this book would be valuable to anyone wanting an easy to read timeline of world history. The illustrations and photographs are perfect compliments to the text. It could easily double as a coffee table book, and would make a great gift for youth and teens.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IS THERE A BETTER BOOK THAN THIS ?!, August 13, 2003

By 

SAKANTA RUNNING WOLF BELL-GUMAER "Highest Tru... (USA, Brazil,Mexico,Peru) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK History of the World (Hardcover)

Absolutely beautiful,comprehensive world history book - should be in EVERY classroom and home! A record of conflict of course, but chock full of the best that people have done on this planet(art,architecture,science, etc.)- inspiring and exciting. If anyone knows of a better illustrated world history book, please write me! Thank you DK - once again an incredible book.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely superb., October 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: DK History of the World (Hardcover)

This is a simply marvelous book, good for all ages. (After all, I am a single adult with no children!) DK publishes a lot of "children's" books which I, as a mature, educated adult, find very useful and fascinating. This one, though, is probably the best of the lot.