Although obviously dated (published 1985) now, this volume in the Time-Life Library of nations is a worthy read, as it gives a pretty comprehensive account of the state of the polity as it was then. This provides a convenient benchmark against which to compare or relate subsequent developments. Production quality-wise, these beautifully made volumes of the 1980s were a sort of culmination of the technology of the 20th century, just before the digital photography revolution took off, and hence there is a feeling of authenticity and immediacy that may not be present in the highly 'photoshopped' productions of the present era. ( )