The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 3: Early Modern Times

Now more than ever, other cultures are affecting our everyday lives—and our children need to learn about the other countries of the world and their history.

Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of other lands. Written in an engaging, straightforward manner, The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child; Volume 3: Early Modern Times weaves world history into a story book format. Who was the Sun King? Why did the Luddites go around England smashing machines? And how did samurai become sumo wrestlers?

The Story of the World covers the sweep of human history from ancient times until the present. Africa, China, Europe, the Americas—find out what happened all around the world in long-ago times. Designed as a read-aloud project for parents and children to share together, The Story of the World includes each continent and major people group. Volume 3: Early Modern Times is the third of a four volume series and covers the major historical events in the years 1600 to 1850, as well as including maps, illustrations, and tales from each culture.

Most of the other history books I've read have been very United States focused or European centric. Volume three covers every part of the world. You learn what is happening in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, India, China, the rest of Asia, and down in Australia & New Zealand. The book covers the time period from about 1500 to 1850.

I am surprised by just how much content is in each page. Even though history is presented in an easy flowing story like format, the book is packed with information.

There are 42 chapters, each with a focus. The first chapter starts off with The Holy Roman Empire, and how Spain became so rich with all the gold and silver coming out of Central and South America. The book ends with the California Gold Rush in 1849 and does a brief overview of the current state of the world in 1849. In between the book covers topics like the Protestant Rebellion, Warlords of Japan, the Spread of Slavery, Plague in England, the Ottoman Empire, the colonies in the New World, Chi'en-lung's Library, the French Revolution, and lots of wars. The book also covers how technology was changing the world. After the 42 chapters there is a five page timeline to help the reader understand when key events happened relative to other key events.

The book doesn't pull any punches. For example in the very first chapter, while talking about all the gold and silver Spain was getting from the New World, we're shown the living conditions of young children working down in the mines. The book doesn't go into graphic detail, but it does mention the warts of history, times and places where evil things happened.

To be well rounded and truly educated children need to have a solid understanding of where civilization has been over the last five thousand years. These "Story of the World" books are a good starting point.

This is a great way for young children to learn history. If you enjoyed the first two, you will enjoy volume three.


The Story of the World, Volume 3: Early Modern Times   November 30, 2004
 26 out of 26 found this review helpful

We love these books! We couldn't wait till this latest book in the series came out. This book, like the previous ones, is a history written like a story. Each chapter (topic) is connected to the next and covers history as it happened all over the world. (This one, #3, covers from about 1500- 1850). I purchased a book for my 10 year old to help him learn history. When history is told in story format so much more is absorbed and remembered later, as well as being more engaging reading. He loves history now. I ended up buying one for his older brother, as well, because he was always borrowing his brothers book. When my 70 year old father came to town (a lover of history)- he picked up the Story World and read the whole thing! He said it was very well written and he mentioned that he was impressed by how straight forward and unbaised it was. I remember so little about what I studied in history as a child, but I know it will be different for my kids -because of "The story of the World". I catch my son sneaking in a few chapters when he is suppose to be doing other things...but I can't get too mad- he's wanting to read History! My youngest son (3rd grade) just started reading this Story World book for himself and he shows the same enthusiasm. I think this book and others in the series are excellent for all ages to learn and develop a love of history. (I am enjoying them now, myself, and maybe my knowledge will eventually catch up to what my kids have learned!) A great choice. I say, to a fantastic writer and educator... Thanks!!! to Susan Bauer for writing these books and sparking a great love and new hobby in our family. Jean in Ohio


Susan hate France!!   July 2, 2004
 14 out of 37 found this review helpful

I read volume 3 very excitingly, but I feel Susan's prejudice. Her story of the France-especially Napoleon-is not fair! There's no good thing about him. Is that true?
If France childern read this book, they will be very angry.
And 'Opium War' is not detailed.
I wonder how she going to write about modern history.
But it's very exciting and helpful like her another books.


Another good read!!   October 3, 2005
 14 out of 19 found this review helpful

Like the previous two volumes, we enjoyed SOTW Vol. 3. It is written in an interesting and engaging style. My younger children enjoyed it as much as my third grader. Susan Wise Bauer does a good job handling some rather difficult and unpleasant parts of History. She did choose to leave out a couple of topics, but explains her reasons at the beginning. My only complaint is the lack of church history that is covered. (There seems to be a decreasing amount of church history covered in each successive volume.)


cool   September 15, 2005
 9 out of 14 found this review helpful

it is awsome i recomend it to any i'm sure i'll reread this book