Story of the World

Author: M. B. Synge
Publisher: William Blackwood & Sons, London
Dates: 1903

The Story of the World series comprises a set of five volumes, written at an introductory reading level, that cover all major events in the history of Western Civilization, from our earliest recorded history to the close of the nineteenth century. With fifty or so short chapters in each volume, the series links the great eras in time and place together by a chain of stories of individuals who played principal parts in the events related. While statesmen and military commanders figure heavily in the narrative, stories of explorers, scientists, artists, authors, and religious figures are also presented.

LANDING OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS

M. B Synge writes in an engaging fashion, using dialog frequently to bring scenes to life. She juxtaposes events happening at the same time in different parts of the world in a style reminiscent of the books of Genevieve Foster. This series is an excellent introduction to world history for older readers as well as for children.

The first volume of the Story of the World series, On the Shores of the Great Sea, focuses on the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean from the time of Abraham to the birth of Christ. Discovery of New Worlds covers the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the middle ages in Europe, the rise of Islam and the Crusades, and finally the age of exploration, and the establishment of trade with the Far East, concluding with the discovery of the New World by Columbus. The third volume, Awakening of Europe, covers the reformation in various countries in Europe, and the settlement of colonies in America. The rise of the great nations of Europe, including England, the Netherlands, Russia, France and Austria, is also covered.

Struggle for Sea Power focuses on the age of empire and world colonization. The histories of European colonies in America, Australia, South Africa, and India are related. Also covered are the Revolution in America, the French Revolution, and campaigns of Napoleon. The fifth volume Growth of the British Empire focuses on the nineteenth century, which was dominated by the British Empire, and corresponding ideas of progress and modernism. It also treats the revolutions in South America and Mexico, the Boer War in South Africa, and the exploration of Central Africa, the Greek and Italian wars for Independence, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the opening of trade with Japan and China, and the rebellion in India. The final volume in the Series, World at War, was completed sometime after the earlier five and considers the dramatic changes wrought by the First World War.

On the Shores of the Great Sea   by M. B. Synge
Book I of the Story of the World series. Focuses on the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea from the time of Abraham to the birth of Christ. Brief histories of the Ancient Israelites, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Scythians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans are given, concluding with the conquest of the entire Mediterranean by Rome. Important myths and legends that preceded recorded history are also related.78 credits

Discovery of New Worlds   by M. B. Synge
Book II of the Story of the World series covers the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the conversion of the Germanic tribes of Europe to Christianity, the rise of Islam in the east, the European Middle Ages, the Crusades, and finally the age of exploration. The book concludes with the discoveries of Columbus and the Spanish settlements in the New World.85 credits

Awakening of Europe   by M. B. Synge
Book III of the Story of the World series covers the reformation in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and England, as well as the settlement of colonies in America. Special attention is given to the rise of England and the Netherlands as sea powers, and the corresponding fall of Spain. The rise of Russia, Prussia, and Austria in the 17th and 18th centuries is also presented. 90 credits

Struggle for Sea Power   by M. B. Synge
Book IV of the Story of the World series focuses on the age of world colonization, particularly during 18th century. The histories of European colonies in America, Australia, South Africa, and India are related, along with the ongoing wars between Britain and France for domination in Asia and North America. Also covered are the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the campaigns of Napoleon.94 credits

Growth of the British Empire   by M. B. Synge
Book V of the Story of the World Series focuses on the 19th century and is written from a British centric point of view. It covers the revolutions in South America and Mexico, the Boer War in South Africa, and the exploration of Central Africa, the Greek and Italian wars for independence, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the opening of trade with Japan and China, and the rebellion in India. 93 credits

World at War   by M. B. Synge
This is the last in Synge's Story of the World Series. It takes up the story of Europe around the turn of the 20th century, and discusses some the developments leading up to the Great War, especially regarding Germany and the British empire. It then follows the course of the war on all fronts, episode by episode. Finally, after America enters the war, a peace treaty is signed, and the map of Europe is redrawn, with great hope for future peace.101 credits