A World History, 4th Edition by William McNeill
A World History is William McNeill’s one-volume account of global history, with particular attention to interactions among the civilizations of the Middle East, India, China, and Europe. This 656-page English-language fourth edition also addresses geography, communication, technological and artistic developments, and the modern era.
At a glance
- A single-volume overview centered on the connections among four major Old World civilizations.
- The narrative covers geography, communication, technological and artistic developments, and the modern era.
- The listed edition includes an updated bibliographic essay and discussion of events since 1976.
Reference price: $189.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Its focus on interaction across civilizations offers a connected perspective rather than treating regions only in isolation.
- The broad subject coverage may suit readers seeking an extended overview across historical eras.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Author | William McNeill |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Edition | 4th |
| Publication date | October 29, 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 656 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 019511616X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0195116168 |
| Weight listed | 1.85 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.89 x 5.94 x 1.19 inches |
What to know before buying
- The fourth edition was published in 1998. The listing says its discussion covers significant events since 1976, so it should not be treated as a current survey of more recent history.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for a substantial, single-volume world-history overview.
- Students and general readers interested in connections among Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and European civilizations.
Less suited to
- Readers who need a survey updated through recent decades or a narrow, region-specific history.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
6% 6% - 1 star
6% 6%
Aggregate customer ratings lean positive, with five-star ratings forming the largest group, but the spread also includes lower-star ratings. Without written feedback, the reasons for those ratings are unknown. The book’s breadth and emphasis on civilizational connections may interest readers seeking a broad narrative, while its 1998 publication date matters to anyone needing up-to-date coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What does this book cover?
The description presents a global account focused especially on interactions among Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and European civilizations, alongside themes such as geography and technology.
Is this a recent edition?
The listed fourth edition was published in 1998. Its described coverage discusses events since 1976, so it does not establish coverage of later developments.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 656 pages.
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