The Story of the World Volume 3

The Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times

Swords, Ships, and Sumo Wrestlers—History Just Got Even More Epic

Say hello to revolutions, explorers, emperors, and the occasional Gold Rush goose chase. The Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times takes your family on a thrilling ride from 1600 to 1850—an age of adventure, discovery, and world-changing ideas.

Whether you're reading it aloud to your curious elementary student or letting your middle schooler explore independently, this newly revised edition is your go-to guide for a whole year of story-based, curiosity-sparking history.

What's Inside the Book?

From the rise of the Sun King to the fall of the Alamo, Volume 3 dives into the big (and quirky!) moments that shaped the world. Along the way, you'll learn:

• Who was Catherine the Great and why she had big ideas (and even bigger wigs)
• What happened in the Black Hole of Calcutta
• Why a town was named Ground Hog Glory
• And how samurai wound up in sumo rings

This 2020 Revised Edition includes easier-to-read formatting, a new timeline, a pronunciation guide, and 48 new illustrations by Jeff West. And because we know history happens in real places, there are loads of maps too.

From palace intrigue to pirate raids, sumo wrestlers to sugar plantations, The Story of the World Volume 3 makes early modern history your family's next great adventure.

About The Story of the World Series – History That Reads Like an Adventure Book!

Tired of history that feels more like a list of dates than an epic tale? Then you're ready for The Story of the World—a wildly engaging, story-driven history curriculum that brings the past to life with dragons, emperors, explorers, and the occasional pie fight (seriously).

This four-volume series by Susan Wise Bauer turns world history into a captivating read-aloud (or read-alone!) journey from ancient times to the modern age, all told in a way that actually makes sense to kids. Think of it as your child's personal time machine—minus the jet lag.

What You'll Explore

• Volume 1: Ancient Times
  From pyramids and pharaohs to the last Roman emperor—travel back to the very beginning!
• Volume 2: The Middle Ages
  Castles, crusaders, and chocolate (yes, really). From the fall of Rome to the start of the Renaissance.
• Volume 3: Early Modern Times
  Queen Elizabeth I, samurai battles, and the invention of potato chips (okay, almost). All the excitement from the 1500s to the Gold Rush.
• Volume 4: The Modern Age
  From railroads to revolutions, you'll tour the globe and wrap up with the 20th century's biggest moments.

Each volume is built to flex with your family—Volume 1 is great for curious kids in grades 1–6, while Volume 4 ramps things up for older students, typically grades 4–8, with topics that carry a little more weight.

The series isn't faith-based, but it does introduce major figures from many world religions. If your family prefers to skip a few activities here and there, no problem—there's more than enough to choose from. And when the biblical details feel a bit light? That's your cue to jump in and share more of God's story, making the lesson even richer and more personal.

How It Works

• Read the story aloud (or let your child read it himself).
• Use the companion activity book to color maps, do hands-on crafts, answer questions, and dive into extra reading.
• Prefer to listen? The audio version is perfect for car rides or quiet time.
• Want to quiz your brain? Test books are optional but great for check-ins!

Why Families Love It

• Chronological structure helps kids make connections and see the big picture
• Multicultural stories from all over the world
• Hands-on activities bring history to life (build a Roman road or try Egyptian mummification—no human organs involved)
• Flexible format works for different ages and learning styles
• Sparks imagination while building real historical understanding

Whether your child is a castle-loving knight, an explorer in disguise, or just someone who thinks history should be more fun, The Story of the World turns the past into his new favorite subject. Let the adventure begin!