Book excerpt: An understanding of the history of the world-and understanding why this knowledge is important-has become essential for today's students. Benefiting from the unifying viewpoint of a single author, this lively two-volume narrative tells the story of human events on the move-the exciting event history of wars and politics, booms and busts, the rise and fall of empires, and more. It also reaches beyond the events that have shaped world history to trace the broader development of human institutions and ideas as they evolve through time. Special attention to art and ideas in each period and civilization.