This text provides a truly global approach to the world history survey. Its fundamental theme, the interaction of human beings and the environment, serves as a point of comparison for different times, places, and societies. Special emphasis is given to technology and how technological development underlies all human activity. The Third Edition combines strong scholarship and pedagogy to uphold the book's reputation for rigor and accessibility. Several features, such as detailed maps, images, and timelines, help students build their geography and comparative analysis skills.