The New Atlas of World History - Abridged by John Haywood (Hardcover)

About the Book

"First published in the United Kingdom in 2011 by Thames & Hudson Ltd...London"--Colophon.

Book Synopsis

The world at a glance at pivotal moments in history

When did humans first inhabit different parts of the world? What was happening in China when Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire? What was the global reach of the great religions at the time of the Reformation in Europe? The New Atlas of World History is the first historical atlas to present global history in a series of uniform world maps, allowing at-a-glance comparison between different periods and regions.

This stunningly illustrated atlas features 55 specially commissioned full-color maps that cover the whole of human history, from 6 million years ago to today. Accompanying 48 of the maps are detailed illustrated timelines that list important cultures, events, and developments. Maps and timelines also come with concise introductions that summarize notable historical and cultural changes, as well as striking graphic displays that present key data such as the world's five largest cities and total world population for the relevant year. An extensive glossary of peoples, cultures, and nations gives added depth to the maps and timelines.

Ideal for quick reference or for an authoritative overview of the human story, The New Atlas of World History provides an unrivaled global perspective on pivotal moments throughout history, from the origins and distribution of early humans to the shifting balance of world power today.

• Enables at-a-glance comparison between different periods and regions
• Features 55 stunning full-color maps
• Includes 48 illustrated timelines, concise text, and an extensive glossary
• Traces the origins and spread of writing, trade, religion, and much more

From the Back Cover

"Haywood presents a unique, global portrait of human history over six million years. A combination of brilliant design, clear narrative, and fascinating insights creates a compelling and evenhanded tapestry of the human experience. Everyone interested in our past will find this a compelling atlas for their bookshelves."--Brian Fagan, professor emeritus, University of California, Santa Barbara

"This comprehensive and innovative atlas covers the entire span of human history, paying particular attention to population expansion, cross-cultural contact, and growing economic and social complexity. Its lively text and accessible format show how people have interacted with their environment to create the world we know today."--Peter H. Wilson, author of Europe's Tragedy: A New History of the Thirty Years War

"This is an outstanding volume, which succeeds admirably in avoiding an over-emphasis on the history of Europe and America. This is true world history. The range of this book is remarkable. It illustrates the history of societies from Asia to America and from Africa to Europe with skill and erudition, covering the unexpected as well as providing new insight into more familiar areas."--Michael Prestwich, professor emeritus of medieval history, Durham University

"An astonishing concept, brilliantly carried through, history and geography seamlessly combined."--John Julius Norwich, author of The Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean

"History at the world level is both opportunity and challenge. The New Atlas of World History wonderfully shows the possibilities provided by the global account while avoiding the pitfalls of bias. An excellent introduction to global history."--Jeremy Black, University of Exeter

"A model of accuracy, accessibility, and aesthetics, this comprehensive graphic overview of world history is an indispensable foundation for aficionados and scholars alike."--Dennis Showalter, Colorado College

Review Quotes

"[A] blast. . . . [H]ere's the history of the world in just over 200 pages, full-color, filled with fascinating stories told in some text, but mainly, through descriptive maps and pictures. It's a thoroughly modern way to tell our story, and, as you might imagine, it has become a favorite. . . . [T]here's really nothing quite like having the whole of it in front of you on a hot Sunday afternoon in the cool shade, preferably with an equally cool drink from some far-off land close at hand."---Howard Blumenthal, Digital Insider

"[A] valuable picture of human development and will be useful to academic and public libraries."-- "Library Journal"

"[F]inely researched and artfully produced. . . . Haywood seamlessly combines history and geography to show not only population expansion but also cross-cultural contact and the growth of economic and social complexity. Libraries, schools, and everyone interested in the past will want this book for their shelves."---Penny Hastings, ForeWord Reviews

"An excellent point of reference."-- "BBC History Magazine"

"Haywood offers 35 full-color maps on the history of humankind, ranging from 6 million years ago to 2010 CE. Each map presents the world at a specific year in history, showing trade and migration routes, boundaries between nations, and peoples."-- "Choice"

"Selected for "The Best of the Best" Program at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference"

"The graphical format of this history of mankind allows one to view happenings in one part of the world and then see other events at the same time in different areas of the world. Unique and refreshing. Illustrations and maps peppered throughout make accessing the information enticing and easy."-- "Globe and Mail"

"This is a creative atlas, supported by Haygood's deep insight over a six-million-year cast of time that brings into focus the world's cultures and religious faiths, inventions and discoveries. Of especial interest are the colour-coded maps, which are particularly useful in enhancing the study of wars and empires."---Colin Gardiner, Oxford Times

"This is the best work I have come across that not only depicts human history pictorially but also provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of the human species, our geographical spread around the globe, important events in our past and our situation today in terms of balance of power among nations. John Haywood has done a wonderful job with The New Atlas of World History."---Paiso Jamakar, Biz India

"This reference puts historical events in context rather than seeing them only in isolation."---Adrienne Antink, American Reference Books Annual

About the Author

John Haywood is an honorary research fellow in the Department of History at Lancaster University. His books include The Great Migrations: From the Earliest Humans to the Age of Globalization, The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Civilizations, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings, and The Historical Atlas of the Celtic World.