World History: The Basics

By Peter N. Stearns

Book Overview

World history continues to evolve as one of the most popular and widely discussed approaches to the study of history. The second edition of World History: The Basics offers an updated introduction of this fast-growing field, addressing key questions such as:

What is world history? How do we study a subject with such a broad geographic and chronological range? Why has world history been controversial?

This new edition integrates both US and global perspectives, including up to date historiographical analysis and coverage of developments around the world since the first edition was published. The volume also addresses the challenge of considering Big History along with attention to major regional civilizations. Authored by one of the field's pioneers, the book explores key topics such as time, place, interactions, themes, and more. Serving as both an excellent introduction to world history and a significant commentary on the past, present, and future of the discipline, this volume is an essential resource for understanding the field.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1041241178
• ISBN13: 9781041241171
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 236 Pages