"Two German historians have very successfully put the phenomenon of globalization into historical perspective--and they are highly qualified to do so. There is no volume of similar length that brings together the historical experience of growing globalization so clearly and helpfully. An illuminating analysis for anyone interested in the current debate on this question."--V. R. Berghahn, Columbia University "Full of original insights, this is the best introduction to global history on the market today. In little more than 100 pages, it aptly introduces readers to the big themes and questions that arise from global perspectives on the past. If you want to find out what the history of globalization is all about, and how globalization changes our view of the human past, read this book."--Sven Beckert, Harvard University