Great Ages of Man: A History of the World’s Cultures — 4 Volumes (Time-Life Books, 1965–1968)

These 4 volumes from the Great Ages of Man series, published by Time-Life Books between 1965 and 1968 were one of the most widely read introductions to world history in mid 20th century publishing.  The visuals and tone evoke a kind of retro educational prestige of mid-century print culture at its most ambitious. 

The authors offer an exploration of pivotal eras in world history. Each volume combines a popular history style narrative with period illustrations and photography characteristic of the 60s. Please see images 3,7,12, and 17, to view the contents’ pages. 

Included titles:

• Barbarian Europe by Gerald Simons (1968)

• The Renaissance by John R. Hale (1965)

• Imperial Rome by Moses Hadas (1965)

• Classical Greece by C.M. Bowra (1965)

Each volume is hardbound in quarter cloth, measuring approximately 22 × 27.5 × 1.5 cm. All are in good condition with clean, unmarked pages. Light wear consistent with age. 

• Series: The Great Ages of Man – A History of the World’s Cultures

• Volumes Included: Barbarian Europe (1968), Renaissance (1965), Imperial Rome (1965), Classical Greece (1965)

• Publisher: Time Incorporated, New York

• Format: Hardcover, ¼ cloth binding

• Condition: Good — clean, unmarked pages; tight bindings

• Approx. Dimensions: 22 × 27.5 × 1–1.5 cm each

• Weight (total): approx. 3 kg

• Language: English

• Library of Congress CC Numbers: 65-19229 / 65-28051 / 65-24363 / 65-17305