This is the definitive 4 million year-old story of human history. History is a visual feast covering everything from our remote ancestors up to the 21st century. With over 3,000 images, you'll discover the complete story of the people, events, themes, ideas and forces that have shaped human existence from the origins of mankind to Sputnik, Machu Pichu and recent events. You can find out about history's turning points through eyewitness accounts and biographies that give a personal angle to major events. You can explore humankind's legacy from architecture and artefacts to the big ideas that have changed our world. You can examine the effect we've had on nature and vice versa. And discover how the past has been unlocked, from interpreting ancient documents to analysing ice cores. History is a compelling look at human existence and a must-have reference book for the family bookshelf.

Discover how the world's greatest inventions work in this funny and accessible novelty book by inventions expert, Adam Hart-Davis. If you've ever wondered why the pencil came into existence, or how a steam engine works, or when we started using flushing toilets, this book has all the answers. Based on seven key areas of invention, Adam Hart-Davis tells the stories behind steam power, lighting, toilets, clocks, communication, bikes and flight, and how they are still relevant to our world today. Pull-tabs, flaps, pull-out booklets and detailed illustrations make this a perfect interactive gift book for budding inventors.