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The Usborne Book of World History

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A brilliant overview of world history from prehistoric times to the early 20th century

196 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1979

57 people are currently reading
682 people want to read

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Jenny Tyler

263 books8 followers

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5 stars
974 (44%)
4 stars
634 (29%)
3 stars
424 (19%)
2 stars
100 (4%)
1 star
45 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Sara.
127 reviews
August 4, 2015
I think this book is a great resource for discussing world history with children. It is definitely a resource book as you wouldn't want to read it all at once (there is a LOT of information to take in), but it has wonderful information and vivid illustrations that make it more interesting for kids to read than a textbook. There are even comic book style boxes that are numbered for children to read in sequential order to get the full story of a myth, a cultural tradition, etc. A very engaging book, even for someone like me who isn't usually so absorbed by history lessons. I highly recommend this as a resource for teachers or parents, particularly parents who homeschool will enjoy and benefit from this book.
944 reviews42 followers
July 5, 2017
Great introductory text to build on for elementary age; good review for high school students or adults who want to reconnect with some dates or expand their horizons into cultures they haven't studied. Lots of cultures I was never introduced to in school, anyhow (although most of them were somewhat familiar from other reading). I didn't get "World History" until High School (prior to that it was "Geography" or some other name, and mostly on modern-day cultures), and only a year or so of it at that -- which was mostly Europe, and mostly the 20th century.
33 reviews
March 12, 2019
Sawyer (almost 6) loves this book. I like that it’s not just fluff history but a little more detailed, but still understandable for a bright kid. Each page has just enough facts to interest him without being too much. We read a few pages of this each night at bed.
Profile Image for Alexander.
159 reviews
March 26, 2024
Honestly the illustrations of this book make it worth a read. The factual details aren’t all that factual anymore as the book is from the 80s. It is written primarily for children. Also detail can be lacking sometimes. For example, the book includes this detail: ‘the early “penny-farthings” were ridden by men, but later models were suitable for women to ride too”. This could be elaborated on to make more sense, as in some people might not know what penny-farthings are and why exactly are they not suitable for women.

The book is way too fact heavy to be read in long sessions. It’s definitely a book you dip into now and again. It’s probably better that way as you get to really appreciate the hand drawn illustrations and detail on each page.
70 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2018
I took this book out from my primary school library more than any other. This is the book that got me interested in history, so I picked up a copy from Amazon to have it on hand. Whenever I read a new book, it's the images from this book that come into my head when I picture certain events.
2 reviews
April 23, 2018
This book is great if your looking a really real history book. The only problem with this book is that some of the people are not wearing clothing and are naked.
13 reviews
February 27, 2019
Cuốn sách cung cấp một lượng lớn kiến thức từ hồi trái đất mới hình thành.
Tuy nhiên lại được trình bày theo lối liệt kê nên rất khó nhớ
Profile Image for Rick Vickers.
283 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
Read a little at lunchtime everyday till I finished it. Lots of great illustrations and fun facts
Profile Image for Ангѣлъ.
Author 4 books28 followers
December 19, 2025
Доколкото си спомням това беше петата ми детска енциклопедия, макар да е публикувана преди „Живият свят“. Така се случи, че се сдобих с нея по-късно, не само защото в Плевен разпространението на книгите беше по-затруднено, особено след промените, когато книгите полека-лека излязоха на сергиите.

Дали защото бях пораснал малко, или вече бях изчел другите енциклопедии, или защото историята - такава, каквато ни я поднасят, и без друго е една голяма измислица-премислица, но не бях твърде много впечатлен.
Profile Image for Stephanie Ziebarth.
Author 1 book14 followers
April 30, 2012
This simple world history book is great for providing the reader with an overview of, yes, world history. The illustrations are helpful in capturing the attention of young readers and drawing them into the material. I have used this book with my children more than once through the years.
Profile Image for Christia Hall.
16 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2015
This is one of the books that forever instilled my love of history. It has really stimulating and effective illustrations on every page. In short, it was a home-schooled ADHD kid's dream come true for a book.
Profile Image for Lydia Goddard.
284 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2016
I think the pics & info in this book is great! But my 8 yr old was not a huge fan of it. I think it depends on the kid - my 6 yr old would frequently listen in and loved it and flipping thru the pics himself.
Profile Image for Ann.
95 reviews
March 8, 2011
Great information--gets slightly "busy" on some pages which is distracting, but all in all a worthwhile book to have.
14 reviews
Read
August 5, 2011
Great picture book with a complete view of history from the beginning that is lacking in schools today.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
928 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2024
We love the amount of detail in Usborne books. A great resource for teaching or supplementing world history as the illustrations help you understand what you have been reading in other books.
Profile Image for Lisa.
543 reviews
September 3, 2015
Nice reference book on world history for young children. Every page is covered with colorful illustrations and fascinating details of different civilizations throughout the ages.
Profile Image for Charles Black.
4 reviews
February 4, 2016
The pictures were really good. There was a lot of history covered in a very concise manner. It's a real pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Fay.
225 reviews
September 10, 2018
As a young child who wanted to know everything they could I loved this book (Pre iPhone) as it provided me with easy access to so much more knowledge.
Profile Image for Gail.
7 reviews
Read
July 2, 2013
This was one of the books I used for homeschooling. Definitely a world view.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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