This combined volume of all four Time Traveler books focuses on everyday life in various periods in history. Like the Book of World History it contains interesting text and captivating illustrations (in typical Usborne style!).
So, how is it different? The World History book goes through history, looking at different civilizations during each period. The Time Traveler focuses in on four specific civilizations in history and examines in detail the daily lives and activities of those who could have lived during that time. My (then) 12 year old daughter recommended reading through the World History volume first, then the Time Traveler to "zoom in" on certain cultures. She says this book will "give you a better understanding and appreciation of how it was to live during that time - it's the next best thing to being there."
Note: Knights and Castles, Viking Raiders, Rome & Romans, and Pharoahs & Pyramids are the time periods combined in this book. In each of the last two sections there are a couple of pages that could be problematic. Rome (tiny, non-detailed but nude male figures in a bath house plus another small backside of nude swimmer) and Pharoahs (larger drawings of women in bikini-type outfits). These pictures are unchanged from the original publication that dates back to the 1990s.