This book does a fine job of presenting maps and events of the world as they looked over the centuries. All major phases of world history from 10,000BC to the present are here. If you want a good overview of world history this is a great book to start with. It's the kind of book you can pick up and always learn something new every time you open it. I also like the size of the book - it is not cumbersome like some of the other atlas books on the market. The map sizes are perfect and you don't have to squint to read them.