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

Part of DK's essential 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 advent of the internet, and from the French Revolution to the space race – through a combination of easy-to-understand explanations, innovative graphics, and interesting references.

This exciting new edition includes:

• More than 90 of the most important events, milestones, and critical moments in world history – from the Agricultural Revolution to World Wars I and II
• Simple explanations, bold facts, and step-by-step diagrams breaking down complex historical events, along with clever illustrations
• References from significant historical figures – from Julius Caesar to Barack Obama
• Eight pages of new content, including entries on the Covid-19 pandemic, China's Belt and Road initiative, the Capitol riots, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine

A truly accessible and comprehensive introduction to a fundamental and fascinating subject, the History Book is perfect for anyone seeking a complete overview of world history.

The Big Ideas series, with over 13 million copies sold in 130 countries and translated into 39 languages, explores and explains a range of key topics with its innovative approach based on graphics and references. 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.