This title is a brand new edition of this comprehensive encyclopedia, tracing the extraordinary history of our world, from the Big Bang to the 21st Century. It includes all the major civilizations, rulers and events in world history, and paints a vivid picture of everyday life over thousands of years. Readers can immerse themselves in history via the over 200 recommended web sites, fighting the Battle of Waterloo or strolling the Great Wall of China. A selection of useful maps and pictures from the book are available to download free from the Usborne web site, making this a valuable resource tool that is guaranteed to add an extra dimension to school work.