Mankind has come a long way since our ancestors first stood up on two feet, but how did we get to where we are today? This richly illustrated hardback tells our story, through conflict and intrigue, power won and lost, great empires built and destroyed. Clearly written and accessible, with helpful information boxes and timelines, each spread focuses on a different subject, making this ideal for quick reference or reading in depth. Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the first civilizations, follow marauding Mongols on their quest to conquer, or find out what made colonial empires tick, the answers lie within these pages. This edition is beautifully illustrated and features full color artworks, photographs and maps to bring the past to life. Looking to our recent history, the last section focuses on the great themes of the 21st century so far - population growth, technology, climate change and religious extremism. Whatever the future may hold for us, we have much to learn from our past.