Hendrik van Loon attempted to write a complete history of mankind for younger readers. It was a great success and won him the first John Newbery medal. Although influenced by his own attitudes and those of his day (it is very Western-centric), it will still inform and delight a contemporary audience. Please note this is a new edition (not a scan) of the text of the original version, but all the charming original illustrations have been included (in black and white).