The university History of the world is a unique volume which begins with the formation of the universe and covers every major aspects of human history to the present day. Forty Columbia University professors in the departments of history. Political science, economics, sociology, Philosophy, astronomy, geology, biology, and anthropology contributed sections on their particular subjects and periods integrating this material. Professors Garraty and Gray have produced a  narrative history of the world which is both an authoritative reference work and a fascinating book to read for pleasure.