This book provides a comprehensive and brilliant introduction to world history. Tracing the origins of the earth and early humans, it discusses the rise and fall of ancient and classical civilisations, the birth of different religions, aspects of medieval society and economy, the age of exploration and the colonisation of Africa, Asia and America. It also covers topics like the two great world wars, the birth of the UN, the process of decolonisation of Asia and Africa, the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.