Why did democracy emerge in ancient Greece? How did Spain conquer South and Central America? And what caused the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Part of DK’s indispensable Big Ideas series, this fully revised and updated new edition of The History Book answers these questions and many more.

The perfect introduction to the subject, it explores and explains everything from the origins of Homo Sapiens to the arrival of the internet, and from the French Revolution to the space race – through a combination of easy-to-follow explanations, innovative graphics, and intriguing quotes.

This fascinating new edition features:

• More than 90 of the most important events, milestones, and turning points in world history – from the agricultural revolution to WWI and WWII

• Simple explanations, bold infographics and step-by-step diagrams that untangle complex historical events, and witty illustrations

• Key quotes from major historical figures – from Julius Caesar to Barack Obama

• Eight pages of brand-new content, including entries on the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese Belt-and-Road initiative, the Capitol riots, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

A truly accessible and comprehensive introduction to an essential and engrossing subject, The History Book is perfect for anyone looking for the ultimate overview of world history.

The Big Ideas series

With more than 13 million copies sold across 130 countries and in 39 languages, DK’s award-winning Big Ideas series explores and explains a broad range of essential subjects with its innovative graphic and quote-led approach. The previous edition of The History Book has sold more than 600,000 copies worldwide. Other titles in the series include The Military History Book, The Politics Book and The Economics Book.