The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 3: Early Modern Times

Most of the other history books I've read have been very United States focused or European centric. Volume three covers every part of the world. You learn what is happening in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, India, China, the rest of Asia, and down in Australia & New Zealand. The book covers the time period from about 1500 to 1850.

I am surprised by just how much content is in each page. Even though history is presented in an easy flowing story like format, the book is packed with information.

There are 42 chapters, each with a focus. The first chapter starts off with The Holy Roman Empire, and how Spain became so rich with all the gold and silver coming out of Central and South America. The book ends with the California Gold Rush in 1849 and does a brief overview of the current state of the world in 1849. In between the book covers topics like the Protestant Rebellion, Warlords of Japan, the Spread of Slavery, Plague in England, the Ottoman Empire, the colonies in the New World, Chi'en-lung's Library, the French Revolution, and lots of wars. The book also covers how technology was changing the world. After the 42 chapters there is a five page timeline to help the reader understand when key events happened relative to other key events.

The book doesn't pull any punches. For example in the very first chapter, while talking about all the gold and silver Spain was getting from the New World, we're shown the living conditions of young children working down in the mines. The book doesn't go into graphic detail, but it does mention the warts of history, times and places where evil things happened.

To be well rounded and truly educated children need to have a solid understanding of where civilization has been over the last five thousand years. These "Story of the World" books are a good starting point.

This is a great way for young children to learn history. If you enjoyed the first two, you will enjoy volume three.


The Story of the World, Volume 3: Early Modern Times   November 30, 2004
CTR Mom (OH, USA)
27 out of 28 found this review helpful

We love these books! We couldn't wait till this latest book in the series came out. This book, like the previous ones, is a history written like a story. Each chapter (topic) is connected to the next and covers history as it happened all over the world. (This one, #3, covers from about 1500- 1850). I purchased a book for my 10 year old to help him learn history. When history is told in story format so much more is absorbed and remembered later, as well as being more engaging reading. He loves history now. I ended up buying one for his older brother, as well, because he was always borrowing his brothers book. When my 70 year old father came to town (a lover of history)- he picked up the Story World and read the whole thing! He said it was very well written and he mentioned that he was impressed by how straight forward and unbaised it was. I remember so little about what I studied in history as a child, but I know it will be different for my kids -because of "The story of the World". I catch my son sneaking in a few chapters when he is suppose to be doing other things...but I can't get too mad- he's wanting to read History! My youngest son (3rd grade) just started reading this Story World book for himself and he shows the same enthusiasm. I think this book and others in the series are excellent for all ages to learn and develop a love of history. (I am enjoying them now, myself, and maybe my knowledge will eventually catch up to what my kids have learned!) A great choice. I say, to a fantastic writer and educator... Thanks!!! to Susan Bauer for writing these books and sparking a great love and new hobby in our family. Jean in Ohio


Engaging and Informative!   August 26, 2007
T. Robbins (Minneapolis, Mn)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is our second purchase of the Story of the World series. All three of my school age kids (6,8,10 yrs.) just love to listen to these tapes. It is giving all of us (mom included) a much more comprehensive picture of all the parts of history we have learned with other books. We highly recommend this product for your family as a history program or just for listening to in the car for fun. The acitvity book is also full of great ideas for making this as involved or as simple as you would like it to be.



Good Resource!   May 20, 2008
Elizabeth (Trinity, AL)
This is very well written. A great help to helping children understand History. It makes reading about the past fun and enjoyable.


Good history stories   December 22, 2008
M. Yang (San Jose, CA)
My 8-year son likes all the story of the world series book, he couldn't stop reading before finishing the whole book.