This monumental work in three beautiful volumes is a comprehensive, authentic, and scholarly survey of the major developments of ancient civilizations. It deals mainly with the cultural heritage of mankind, the advances of invention, the varieties of economic organizations, the experiments in governments, the aspirations of religion, morals, and manners, the development of science, the masterpieces of literature, the wisdom of philosophy, and achievements of art. Volume I of the book covers the Establishment of civilization, the pre-historic beginnings, Neolithic culture, the coming of metals, and the development of great civilizations of Sumeria, Egypt, Babylonia, Assyria, Judea, and Persia. Volume II is devoted to the great civilization of India-its history, religion, society, philosophy, literature, and Art. Volume III provides a comprehensive view of Chinese and Japanese history, philosophy, poetry, and Art. This book is an invaluable asset for students, scholars, and art historians.