Pivotal moments in history

Presents a detailed description of the events that led to the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century A.D. and examines the influence that Roman culture, language, and technology has had on subsequent generations.

Explains how the end of the shoguns, which led to the birth of modern Japan, was one of the world's pivotal moments.

Describes the adventures and experiences of Marco Polo from his over twenty-year sojourn to China during the thirteenth century.

Examines the history and importance of the city of Constantinople during the Middle Ages and the factors that led to its defeat at the hands of the Turkish Ottomans in 1453.

A biography of fifteenth-century goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the first moveable-type printing press.

An illustrated introduction that describes the history of the Black Death pandemic in the 1300s, and discusses the causes, spread, symptoms observed, treatment techniques, and the outcome of the devastation.

An illustrated history of the Arab conquests of the Middle East begins with Muhammad's life and revelations and covers events from the early period of the Muslim community as it struggled to survive to its expansion and dominance over the Arabian peninsula.

Describes the events leading up to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 and why the document is important.