Most people's idea of the history of the world is hazy and partial. We know bits and pieces—battles in a tiny corner of Europe, kings—without ever knowing how they fit together. Here, in The No-Nonsense Guide to World History are the hidden histories, the continents and communities left out of the conventional textbooks: from the civilizations of Asia, Africa and Latin America to the history of women which has been submerged beneath the flow of wars and politics.

The No-Nonsense Guide to World History integrates these hidden histories with the more familiar narrative of imperial dynasties and superpower battles. It stands back from history's great building to look at its outline instead of focusing on one brick. It aims to tell the whole story in the space of one slim volume—and to tease out some of the lessons of history that humanity needs to take into the 21st century.