This is a survey of vast landscape of events, achievements and experiences that we call history. Its aim is to help readers in their exploration of the past to understand the cross-fertilization of events and, with the aid of the articles, maps, diagrams and photographs, to put them in perspective. The chronological date chart is divided into columns which cover a specific period of time. Initially this is 25 years, but from 1665 onwards each column covers one year. In each period five themes have been exposed which act as pigeonholes for the events that took place. History and politics, religion and learning, the arts, discovery and cities and social development. The comparative chronology of events will prove an invaluable and fascinating work of reference and the comprehensive index enables the reader to look up any topic quickly and easily. Colin McEvedy is the author of "The Rise of the World"s Cities" and "Penguin Atlas of History".