This is a book for the average person with a great curiosity toward the world. H. G. Wells had an intense curiosity and used it to investigate and then share the entire history of the world in a condensed form with this book. Wells, the great science fiction writer who wrote The War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man, among others, was fascinated with the real world just as much as his imaginary ones. This book is a testament to his genius and immense knowledge involving the key events of humanity throughout the history of the world. It is true that much was left out, but Wells covers the high points so that one can follow the more important paths of history as we learned, grew, and reached deeper understandings throughout our physical, intellectual, and spiritual evolution. The great thing about this book is that it allows us to see a bigger picture. An overall pattern emerges that one can only grasp by reading and experiencing the book fully. Wells was considered a genius and clearly wrote with this larger vision in mind. Upon completing the book, he reveals that we, as humanity, are still in our infancy and have only just begun an immense and important journey. The pattern he lays out shows that we are moving toward new ways of understanding, growth, and wisdom. This book should be read by all those who wish to understand more about the world and our place in it.