From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo and Chinese David vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, "History of the World in 1,000 Objects" provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, "History of the World in 1,000 Objects" contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture In addition to stunning specially-commissioned photographs, "History of the World in 1,000 Objects" is packed with timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world