First published in 1921 and translated since into eighteen languages, The Story of Mankind has charmed generations of readers with its warmth, simplicity, and wisdom. Beginning with the origins of human life and sweeping forward to illuminate all of history, Hendrik Willem van Loon's ability to convey history as a fascinating tale of adventure has endeared this book to countless readers and has attained it a unique place in publishing history.

This new version has been brought up to date by John Merriman, professor of history at Yale University. It incorporates the most important developments of the last three decades -- including the Vietnam War, the turbulence of the 1960s, space exploration, the emergence of developing countries, and the astounding advances we have witnessed in medicine and science -- and looks toward the emerging themes of the twenty-first century.

Hendrik Willem van Loon received worldwide acclaim for the many books that he both wrote and illustrated. Among his most beloved are The Story of America, The Story of the Bible, and The Life and Times of Rembrandt.