World’s Story Volume XIV: An Outline of Universal History

A monumental reference work that organizes the sweep of human civilization into a navigable chronology. This volume spans from the earliest Eastern cultures through the early 20th century, offering dates, events, and figures in a systematic format designed for quick consultation rather than continuous reading. Originally compiled by German historian Karl Ploetz in the 19th century and translated into English by William H. Tillinghast, it represents a particular approach to history: one that treats the totality of human experience as a masterable, referable archive. For scholars, students, and curious readers who want to locate events in time, verify dates, or trace the sequence of civilizations, this volume serves as a precision tool. It captures the historiographical assumptions of its era while providing genuine utility as a chronological reference. Those interested in how history was organized and presented in the early 20th century will find it a fascinating document in itself.