The World's History: Since 1100

Although it shares all the great characteristics of the first half, it's damaged by a few problems. The text seems much rougher (repeated sentences or paragraphs in different sections, rare grammar and spelling errors). As it approaches the present it provides just enough detail to whet the appetite before moving on, and its editorial tone trends towards naive and clueless. Despite all that, it's still basically the best comprehensive overview I could imagine.