This Fleeting World: A Short History of Humanity (AP World History & Teachers' Edition) Paperback – Illustrated, July 1, 2014

This book provides a history like you have never read before. This book actually explains the human history from the Big Bang to the modern life we currently live in.The prequel introduces the reader to the events that occurred before the existence of humanity until the appearance of Homo Sapiens.The next chapter, or The Era of Foragers, explains the life style of the early humans until the adoption of agriculture.The third chapter, The Agrarian Era, tells of the advances human made after agriculture became a common way of living, lasting 'til the year 1750.The last chapter describes the modern life after the industrial revolution.This book tells history in a very broad scale, not focusing on one country, continent, etc.It is definitely interesting to read, and it keeps the readers occupied without boring them.

Good read for a snapshot of world history. Especially for a world history class. A little to narrow a view toward the end basing a lot on economic theory of history but serves as a good talking point.

This short "big" history book is excellent for students and lifelong learners alike. It should be augmented by further study of the areas that interest you the most. And the book prompts this as you go along, It provides a great structure to build upon even for serious history buffs.

I simply cannot recommend this book too highly. The lack of an evidentially informed "big picture" that helps students see who they are, where they are (in space and time), and where all scientific disciplines (and religions) fit, is one of the greatest needs of our time. This little volume is exactly what's needed! IMHO, it should be required reading for all high school students in America and beyond. If it were, within a generation we'd see amazing results.Bill Gates apparently agrees. Put "Big History Bill Gates" in google to see what I mean. To hear the author, David Christian, talk about how he's begun working with Gates along even more exciting lines than this, put "David Christian Inspiring Naturalism" in google and listen to my wife's and my interview of him.~ Michael DowdAuthor of "Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World"

Wow.....was all I could say when I read the book and it wasn't in a good way. I usually love books and I love history and I especially love them when they are combined together. HOWEVER this book was incredibly dull for me and I struggled to finish it. I know it has had much positive criticism but I also noticed that this is a book used occasionally in high school. I find it hard to believe that high school students can get through this much dense text. I was completely disappointed and the only reason it got three stars is because while I found this a horrendous read, I can see how others might appreciate it for the sheer amount of facts they throw at you.

The printing is very beautiful. I'm very impressed. The contents are explained in detail. I'm very glad that I bought him. I'm very happy with the shopping experience.

I had to read this as a summer reading assignment for my AP World History Class. At first I expected it to be as dry and laborious as any other history textbook, but surprisingly it was not. The book was easy to read and presented information in an interesting way. In 100 pages, I definitely got a great basis in World history. Obviously the book doesn't really go in-depth into any one topic and is instead a broad overview. You won't learn about Caesar or Qin Shi Huang, but you will get an understanding of how humans developed both physically and socially to what we are today.

A concise story about the history of humanity at your fingertips!This is a well-written and easily read book that does not have a large footprint - it is very thin and lightweight. I bought this book used in great condition for only $4. I would advise people to look for good deals on this book too!