The encyclopedia recounts the stories and struggles of human society through a multiple range of themes, including demography, agriculture, warfare, religion, government and politics, science, art, and the environment. Elaborately executed maps, along with illustrative photographs, tables, and sidebars, provide a superb visual reference for high school and college students, researchers, and general readers.

Among the book's many highlights are:
-- Special interest topics, such as the American Civil War, Communism, and the Crusades, that are explained in detail and accompanied by specially commissioned historical maps
-- A ready reference section offering essential tables, charts, and lists
-- Timelines detailing significant people, dates, and events in history from 10,000 B.C. to the present day
-- Special box features explaining, through text, maps, diagrams, and artworks, key historical peoples, empires, or events
-- Cross references to more than 15,000 related articles.