History is about people, and this outstanding book explores the everyday lives of people of all kinds across the centuries: both the ordinary people, who are the lifeblood of a nation, and the extraordinary rulers, reformers, rebels, thinkers, scientists and artists who have been the pioneers of change. In compelling narrative, this book charts the great moments of social change, of discovery and invention, from the earliest settlers to the present day.

A revised final chapter brings the story right up to date.