Good 'history of the world' books

Anarchy Rules!

In the past year I've read Guns, Germs and Steel and The History of the World in 100 Objects, and I've got a hankering for fairly comprehensive histories that aren't just largely focused on the Western world. As such, any suggestions?

Esh

I know you said "aren't just largely focused on the Western world", but Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong is pretty essential reading.

QuantumTurk

Though the subject may sound a bit dry, I found Salt, A World History, by Kurlansky to be a really fun look at how a commodity we take for granted now influenced all sorts of development. In my opinion you don't even have to be too into cooking/ food to like it! It's written in a fairly engaging style, and if I remember right has references in the back for when you want to go more in depth on something he talks about.

Arivia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Short_History_of_Progress

MichaelLC

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Esh

I know you said "aren't just largely focused on the Western world", but Lies My Teacher Told Me is pretty essential reading.

QuantumTurk wrote:

Though the subject may sound a bit dry, I found Salt, A World History, by Kurlansky to be a really fun look at how a commodity we take for granted now influenced all sorts of development. In my opinion you don't even have to be too into cooking/ food to like it! It's written in a fairly engaging style, and if I remember right has references in the back for when you want to go more in depth on something he talks about.

I forgot about Kurlansky. Check out Cod too.

DevoutlyApathetic

To look at things from a different angle I found Asimov's Chronology of Science and Discovery fascinating and unusual. It is what it is labeled though, I expect you have to have at least a passing interest in science to enjoy it.