Howard Spodek (1941–2023)

Although it shares all the great characteristics of the first half, it's damaged by a few problems. The text seems much rougher (repeated sentences or paragraphs in different sections, rare grammar and spelling errors). As it approaches the present it provides just enough detail to whet the appetite before moving on, and its editorial tone trends towards naive and clueless. Despite all that, it's still basically the best comprehensive overview I could imagine.

The first textbook I've read cover to cover. Well-written, comprehensive, and stuffed with maps, timelines, and pictures of the arts contemporary to the time and place being discussed. It's also free of the peculiar compulsion to relate all world events to Europe, so much so it's kind of shock when the continent finally gets its game together. Also the sidebars relating the archeological and written evidence for the historical perspective are pretty great.

I've read this book for my sophomore AP World History class, and it is relatively difficult to read and understand.