World History: A Parragon Micropedia by Jeremy Black[Hardcover] (rare book)

Book Summary:

A concise and richly illustrated reference, this 320-page hardcover offers a sweeping overview of world history—from prehistoric times to the modern age. Organized into thematic sections such as “The Ancient World” through “The Twentieth Century,” it presents key events, civilizations, breakthroughs, and cultural milestones in an engaging micropedia format . The blend of clear, accessible text with full-color maps, photographs, and illustrations makes it an excellent primer for learners, casual readers, and those seeking a portable history companion. Edited by historian Jeremy Black, a prolific scholar, the book benefits from his broad command of military, political, and international history, though some reviewers caution that its brevity can sacrifice nuance, occasional biases, or simplifications. Overall, it serves as a visually appealing and informative primer on world events and patterns that shaped the global stage.

About the Author:

Jeremy Black (born 30 October 1955) is a prominent and prolific British historian, renowned for his expertise in military, political, and diplomatic history—especially relating to Britain, Europe, and the wider world. He earned a starred First at Cambridge and completed postgraduate studies at Oxford before beginning his academic career at Durham in 1980. He later served as Professor of History at the University of Exeter starting in 1996

A distinguished scholar, Black has authored or edited over 100 books, including major works like Warfare in the Western World, The World in the Twentieth Century, and The British Seaborne Empire. His interests span eighteenth-century foreign policy, cartography, the history of the press, culture, and the theory of history itself.

Beyond academia, Black is a sought-after lecturer worldwide—he has spoken in North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond—and has held visiting appointments at institutions like West Point and Texas Christian University. He has also served on editorial boards of journals such as History Today, International History Review, Journal of Military History, and the RUSI Journal.

His achievements include being appointed MBE in 2000 for contributions to stamp design and receiving the Samuel Eliot Morison Prize in 2008 for lifetime accomplishment in military history