Hendrik Willem van Loon's masterpiece of world history for young adults, winner of the first Newberry award, has remained an enjoyable way to introduce world history. Even though the original author died in 1944 before the end of World War II a succession of authors has provided updated chapters to ensure the book stays current and a viable option. This latest updating includes chapters by Robert Sullivan that take the story from the end of the millennium (the extent of the previous update) through an evaluation of our current (copyright, 2014) forms of communication Chapter 90, Friends The Ways in Which We Changed How We Communicate with Each Other. Recognizing the appeal of the original, the previous updaters (Edward Prehn, Paul Sears and Edwin Broome in 1972; John Merriman in 1984 and 1999; with added illustrations by Adam Simon) and now the current updater have all maintained the same engaging conversational tone. An animated chronology (from 500,000 B.C. to A.D. 2000) and a complete index of people, places, and things mentioned in the book are provided in the back. 765 pgs. pb ~ Janice
Story of Mankind (Updated Edition)
Description
Originally written in 1921 for the author’s grandchildren, Hendrik Willem van Loon’s The Story of Mankind has charmed generations with its warmth, simplicity, and wisdom. Rather than the dry recitation of events so common in school textbooks, van Loon’s witty, amiable tone animates the story of human history as a grand and perpetually unfolding adventure. Beginning with the origins of human life and sweeping forward to illuminate all of history, van Loon’s incomparable prose and original illustrations present a lively rendering of the people and events that have shaped the world we live in today. This new version has been brought up to date by best-selling historian Robert Sullivan, who continues van Loon’s personable style, incorporating the most important developments of the early twenty-first century, including the war on terrorism, global warming, and the election of Barack Obama. Engagingly written, delightfully informative, and always entertaining, this is the necessary classic of all ages, for all ages.
History Odyssey is a classically-based history curriculum that combines the reading of great history books and period-related literature with timeline work, outlining, summaries, map activities, and writing assignments. Designed as independent study guides, it makes history engaging while building strong research, writing, and organizational skills with minimal parent preparation.
Each guide covers one major era of history in one year and works well for logic-stage students (typically Grades 5–8), with extensions available for high school.
Key Curriculum Features:
- Checklist-style lessons with reading, timeline, map work, and writing assignments
- Emphasis on great books, primary sources, and the "Great Conversation" of ideas
- Builds critical thinking, research, outlining, and independent learning skills
- Flexible for multi-age use with strong student accountability
- Minimal teacher prep — parent primarily checks completion and quality of work
- Level 2 for logic stage (Grades 5+); Level 1 adapted into History Quest series
Program Components:
- Study Guides: Loose-leaf, 3-hole-punched guides designed for placement in a binder (thick binder recommended)
- Required Resources: History books, literature selections, timeline (optional History Odyssey Timeline & Sticker Pack), and maps
- Worksheets and Maps: Included for outlining, summaries, and activities (permission to copy maps and worksheets for family use)
History Odyssey stands out for its classical approach, independent student-driven format, and integration of great books that make history come alive. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a rigorous yet flexible world history curriculum that nurtures strong analytical and organizational skills.
Shop all History Odyssey levels, resources, and guides below!
| Product Format: | Hardcover |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 7-12 |
| Brand: | Liveright Publishing Corporation |
| ISBN: | 9780871407153 |
| Length in Inches: | 8.25 |
| Width in Inches: | 5.4375 |
| Height in Inches: | 1.3125 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.35 |
