Book excerpt: Culled from a wide variety of references, Detroit in Its World Setting is a timeline that offers readers a new appreciation of Michigan history by setting life in the Motor City in the context of world affairs. For each year, readers can follow the march of time in four categories-city and state events, national and world history, cultural progress, and scientific and commercial progress-that cover countless events over the three centuries since the city's founding as well as the people involved in them. Originally published in 1953, Detroit in Its World Setting has been revised and updated to mark the city's 300th birthday in 2001. Expanded coverage includes such subjects as women's achievements, the African American community, ethnic communities, city landmarks, and public education. No other book offers the opportunity to see the city's life in this sweeping context. As entertaining as it is informative, Detroit in Its World Setting is a fitting birthday present for the city-and its citizens.