Review: History at a Glance

~Book Blurb~

Beautifully illustrated, this penetrating book offers a sweeping view of humanity from prehistory to the modern day, presented in a unique time-line format.

Sweeping but succinct, this comprehensive reference presents all of world history in a browsable format featuring more than three dozen maps, along with hundreds of photographs and illustrations. From the dawn of humankind to today’s global complexities, this book provides a compelling reminder that history is unfolding all around us.

The epic story of humanity on all seven continents is explored through a unique design that combines concise essays with expansive time lines that invite deeper reading on milestone moments, explained within the broader context of the era. The final chapter highlights such recent events as SpaceX’s heavy rocket launch, the restoration of U.S./Cuba relations, and the historical trends that were the precursors to the state of our world today.
Informative and richly illustrated, this authoritative take on world history will be a compelling reference you’ll turn to again and again.

~My Thoughts~

I love, love, love this book. It’s a perfect starting point for reading about any point in history. I mean, seriously, ANY point in history.

Since I’m not a teacher and my kids are way too young to read or understand most of this book, I’ve been using it in an unconventional but highly useful way.

I read a lot of historical fiction, but sometimes I have no idea what’s going on. For instance, I recently read a book called The Viking’s Captive. Beyond knowing vikings liked to take things and enjoy a pointy hat, I was at a loss. Enter History at a Glance. I could read a few pages of summary, look at the relevant timelines, and bam! I felt like I could approach the book.

I really think any reader could do this. Beyond that, before you watch any historical movie or show you could read a little and be prepared to have some idea of what is going on. I know I will glance at it before seeing 1917. My knowledge of WWI is ridiculously lacking.

I’m going to encourage my kids to use this book as the starting point for any research topic. Like an encyclopedia but way condensed. Considering that my kids are 5 and 2, that tells you that I plan on keeping History-at-a-Glance on my shelves for many years to come.

*Special thanks to National Geographic and TLC Book Tours for a copy of History at a Glance in exchange for an honest review.