Duiker's comprehensive, balanced history of the world in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries provides you with context for interpreting the events that you hear about in the news each day. You'll view history from the broader global perspective, while at the same time gaining insight into the distinct character of individual civilizations and regions. To ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of the most decisive moments in recent times, Duiker integrates political, economic, social, and cultural history into a smoothly written narrative. Discussions are illuminated by timelines that highlight and contrast different cultures and nations-giving you an 'at-a-glance' perspective on eras and their defining events; photos from the author's own collection for a closer, more personal look at the world we live in; and primary-source documents that offer an in-depth way to understand the past.