History of the world in 1000 objects

Smithsonian History of the World in 1000 Objects
Published at DK Canada

About the book

From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo and Chinese David vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, History of the World in 1,000 Objects provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world.

With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture.

In addition to stunning specially-commissioned photographs, History of the World in 1,000 Objects is packed with timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world.

My Thoughts

This book is parked of interesting objects from centuries ago to discover.   The objects that we leave behind speaks in volumes about the past.  They give us an insight into our ancestors’ lives that is so much richer and more intriguing than a list of events.  This book will allow you to visit civilizations through the ages by viewing and exploring artifacts.

Divided in seven fascinating sections the book will highlights some of the most interesting objects from history.

• Early Societies 20,000 to 700 BCE: early humans shaping the world, the enigma of the Indus civilization, the cradle of civilization, Egyptian life and afterlife, Europe’s Bronze Age warriors, the mighty Hittites, palace societies of the Aegean, the intrepid Phoenicians, China’s first celestial empire, the awe-inspiring gods of the Andes, and the mustical land of the Olmec.
• Ancient Civilizations 700 BCE – 600 CE: the city-states of Ancient Greece, Celtic kingdoms, the great Persian Empire, the artistic Etruscans, the splendor of Rome, foreign rule in Egypt, India’s first empires, the unified kingdoms of China, the first cities of Mesoamerica, and the mysterious Nazca and Moche.
• Trade and Empire 600-1450: Europe’s Germanic Kingdoms, Viking traders and raiders, the glory of Byzantium, Islamic courts and caliphates, Islamic cultures of Spain and Africa, Norman crusaders and conquerors, the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, early kingdoms of Eastern Europe, art and devotion in classical India, the Dragon Throne of Imperial China, Buddhism in Medieval Japan, Korea’s Golden Kingdoms, temple cities of Cambodia, Seljuk and early Ottoman realms, spirit of the greater southwest, the myth-makers of Mesoamerica, treasures of the Andes, and the sculptors of Easter Island.
• Enlightenment and Imperialism 1450-1750: art and sicence in Renaissance Europe, reformation, war, and enlightenment, the height of Ottoman power, poetry and power in the Safavid Empire, culture in Korea’s last dynasty, China’s age of prosperity, last days of the Samurai, the majesty of Mughal India, the rise of the Maratha Empire, the merchant empire of Benin, Ethiopia and the Christian world, and European settlers in the New World.
• Industry and Independence 1750-1900: the birth of the Industrial Age, revolution and republic in France, the decline the Austrian Empire, Russia under the Romanovs, the race for African Empires, the Empire of the Sikhs, company rule and the Raj in India, the reopening of Japan, unrest in late Imperial China, colonial struggle in Southeast Asia, Pacific exploration and expansion, settlers in Australia and New Zealand, revolution in Latin America, tradition and war in North America, and the birth of the United States.
• A Shrinking World 1900 to Present: a century of flight, transportation for the masses, entertaining the world, fighting the world wars, combating disease, life under the revolution, the Western home, fashion for the people, the space age, the technology of modern war, and connecting the world.
• Timeslines of World History: numerous pages with a timeline through all the societies presented in the book.

Next year as part of our homeschool, we will study explorers and Egyptians among other things.  This book will allow us to see with our eyes artifacts from the specific period of times in history where Egyptians ruled as well as when explorers decided to set up on an adventure.   The stunning pictures included in this book will make things even more interesting as we learn about history.

My oldest son is interested in musical instruments and already he has discovered some out-of-the-ordinary ones like the mayuri veena which was also known as a taus – from the Persian word for a peacock.  The mayuri veena is a complex stringed instrument that was a favorite at Indian princely courts in the 19th century. The head was decorated with a real peacock’s beak and real tail feathers were included in the instruments as well. 

I particularly like the close-up images of the items found on this book.  Also from time to time through the pages you will a two pages detailed information on a specific item which will allow you to learn more about it.  I find the book to be very informative on artifacts from various ages in history.   It is a great reference to have at home when studying history.

DK Canada is currently holding a Father’s Day Boutique with numerous titles that could be interesting for your dad or father figure in your life.    Dad is not into history?  No problem since you can find books on almost everything in this special boutique.  

The Smithsonian History of the World in 1000 Objects is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned book for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.