A Short History of the World is a period-piece non-fictional historic work by English author H. G. Wells. The book was largely inspired by Wells's earlier 1919 work The Outline of History.

Chronologically discusses the events of history beginning with the evolution of man and ending with the restructuring of Western Europe in 1993.

Following the success of his A Short History of the World, eminent historian Geoffrey Blainey abridged his account of the grand adventure of human history to create an even more accessible version of his absorbing work. A Short History of the World traces the story of the world's people during the last four million years, beginning before the human race moved out of Africa to explore and settle other continents. A consummate storyteller, Professor Blainey makes the past come alive as he touches on the trivial and the grand: everything changes in diet to profound discoveries and mighty empires. This updated edition of Blainey's work contains engrossing summaries about global terrorism, the rise of China and how technology is reshaping our lives. 'Our most distinguished historian.' Weekend Australian

Discover the power of the book through fifty of the most influential texts ever written - from around the world and throughout time. Books that truly did have a significant impact on world history.

Description: "The story of our world is a story that is still very imperfectly known." From the very beginnings of life, spanning across the age of mammals evolving into monkeys, apes and sub-men; from the Neanderthaler to the early days of human adventure; from the beginnings of cultivations to priests, sages, kings and wars; and from the conquests to material knowledge, revolutions and reconstruction of the world.. here is a story of how life began and evolved into 'us.' A comprehensive and compelling account of the world history, H. G. Wells' a Short History of the World is a thought-provoking masterpiece. Constructed on an evolutionary, anthropological and sociological basis, it is an immensely popular period piece that remains one of the most readable of its kind.

"With over 350 illustrations, timelines and box features, A Short History of the World is a comprehensive and entertaining look at the ways in which man has spent his time on earth. Find out how the great Egyptian dynasties crumbled, how medieval Europe fell prey to the Black Death, how Enlightenment thinkers changed the course of history, and much more." -- Dust jacket.