The Story of Mankind offers a marvelous tour of history. Beginning with ancient myths, it takes us through the aftermath of World War I. In its pages we meet scoundrels and ruffians and poets; we engage with Pericles, Mohammed and Metternich, Confucius and Savonarola and Voltaire; we stand amazed anew before Egyptian hieroglyphs, Gothic arches, Florentine frescoes and the steam engine. Because this book was originally written in 1921 for Hendrik van Loon's grandchildren, the history doesn't extend beyond that date. It has stood the test of time, however, charming generations of children with its wittiness, wisdom, and warmth. With its many illustrations and sweeping prose, Van Loon's book offers a lively rendering of the people and events that have shaped the world we live in today.
