Now in a new edition, this clearly written and engrossing book presents a global and environmental narrative of the origins of the modern world since 1400. Robert Marks constructs a story in which Asia, Africa, and the New World play major roles and points to the resurgence of Asia and the vastly changed relationship of humans to the environment.

Robert B. Marks wears many hats, only one of which is a Stetson - he is a writer, editor, researcher, publisher, independent historian, and teacher. He has degrees in Mediaeval Studies, English Literature, and War Studies. He is the author of Diablo: Demonsbane, The EverQuest Companion, Garwulf's Corner, An Odyssey into Video Games and Pop Culture, and co-author of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Agora. In his spare time, he has done everything from make mead to historical swordfighting to rockhounding.He lives in the area of Kingston, Ontario, with his wife and two children.