Book excerpt: From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo and Chinese David vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, History of the World in 1,000 Objects provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world. With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture. In addition to stunning specially-commissioned photographs, History of the World in 1,000 Objects includes timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world. Reviews of its print edition: "This vividly illustrated book provides a fresh perspective on world history by revealing how our ancestors lived through the objects they fashioned." - Longitude "[A] completely fresh perspective on the history of the world." - Releaselog "[A] treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day." - USA Today "Using human-made objects to explain world history is such a fun and interesting way to see how societies around the planet have evolved both culturally and technologically." - Winkbooks Award to its print edition: The National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council's Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015