The work of 100 professional historians, this revised and updated reference book surveys the full story of mankind. Since the publication of the 3rd edition in 1989, every one of the atlas's 126 colour spreads has been reviewed in detail by a team of historians, and brought up to date to reflect the latest scholarship. Particular attention has been paid to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new states across Eastern Europe. The growth of economic powerhouses in the Far East is also treated in detail, as are major themes of world importance, such as the North/South divide and the resurgence of the Muslim world. Four new spreads have been designed and 30 new maps have been added to this new edition. A major feature is the inclusion of 120 new colour illustrations. The cover has also been redesigned.