History of the World in 1000 Objects

A treasure trove of human creativity from around the world

History of the World in 1000 Objects takes a fresh look at world history, viewing cultures and early civilizations through the objects that they created.

Humanity is defined by our talent for making things from everyday objects to inventions that changed the world. From a Viking wooden comb to a 1950s fridge-freezer you can uncover what the people's priorities were at the time from what they created.

Each culture's objects are grouped under key themes, from art to the history of technology and together build a story that gives real insight into civilization, plus the accessible visual approach to history makes it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world. The objects, from swords and spears to astrolabes and maritime atlases, are showcased through stunning photography from around the world.

Celebrate our extraordinary legacy of creativity with History of the World in 1000 Objects.

Staff Review:

This is a really thick book, but once glanced inside, I think one can sit for hours. The book features objects from 6 era - way back from the earliest of possible human existence (20,000 BCE) to the present days. There are the periods of Early Societies, Ancient Civilization, Trade & Empire, Enlightenment and Imperialism, Industry and Independence and of a Shrinking World. What I like about his book is that the objects are photographs of actual relics found, not sketches and depictions, and each item is detailed as in what the parts are and may mean, historical anecdotes relating to it, etc. If only our history text books can be made just as interesting as this!