The history of mankind is spellbinding and vast, and James Davis has managed to capture its essence in this clear and fast-paced overview. He tells how peoples of the world settled down and founded cities, conquered neighbors, established religions, and achieved remarkable technological breakthroughs. Adding depth to some familiar events, Davis takes us to the final moments of Alexander the Great, the Soviet Union's ecstatic launch of Sputnik, and the world-changing creation of McDonald's.