This new edition of The Penguin History of the World is an opportunity to celebrate a book that is both a richly rewarding narrative and a permanent work of reference. The Penguin History of the World tells the entire story of human endeavour in all its grandeur and folly, drama and pain in a single book; beautifully written, authoritative and thrilling. Now this landmark bestseller has been completely overhauled - not just bringing it up to date, but revising it throughout in the light of new research and discoveries, including the recent revolution in our understanding of ancient civilizations and what now seems to be the inexorable rise of Asia and the increasingly troubled situation in the West. This new edition of The Penguin History of the World is an opportunity to celebrate a book that is both a richly rewarding narrative and a permanent work of reference. 'The leading historical mind of his generation.'Guardian 'A stupendous achievement.'A.J.P. Taylor 'At once entertaining and scholarly . . . a book as challenging as it is consistently absorbing.'Christopher Hibbert 'A brilliant book. . . the most outstanding history of the world yet written.' J.H. Plumb 'A work of outstanding breadth of scholarship and penetrating judgements. There is nothing better of its kind.' Sunday Telegraph