A very successful book for two decades, the fourth edition continues its tradition of excellence. Using primary and secondary source material and numerous photographs and illustrations, this book seeks to present history through a broad perspective. Incorporating the traditional approach, centered on politics, economics, diplomacy, and war with the modern approach, including social aspects of women and children, the poor and economically marginal, gays and native Americans, it is a book that teaches the skill of making sense out of one's whole world.