"A Short History of the World" is a book written by H.G. Wells that covers the history of humanity from the earliest civilizations to the start of the First World War.

The book begins with the emergence of early human societies and goes on to cover the major events and developments of ancient civilizations, including those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. It also discusses the rise of Christianity, the spread of Islam, and the medieval period in Europe.

Moving into the modern era, Wells covers the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution. He also discusses the Age of Exploration and the colonization of the Americas, as well as the rise of European empires and the impact of colonialism on the rest of the world.

The book concludes with a discussion of the political and social changes that led up to the outbreak of World War I, which was ongoing at the time of the book's publication in 1922.

Wells' writing style is concise and accessible, making the book an excellent introduction to world history for readers of all ages. Despite its brevity, "A Short History of the World" covers a vast amount of material and provides a broad overview of the major events and developments that have shaped human civilization.