This history of the world concerns countries which discovered new lands and expanded the reach of civilization; principally, the Roman, English, Spanish and Portuguese Empires.

Presented as a series of stories arranged roughly in chronological order, this history explores achievements of individual explorers and the societies to which they belonged. Spanning more than 1500 years of human history, M. B. Synge's efforts begin with the establishment of the Roman republic and later Empire, telling of how the Romans explored, conquered and colonized Europe and swathes of the Middle East and North Africa.

Later, the focus switches to the European powers, and how the nations of England, Spain and Portugal developed over centuries. The financing of naval technology and expeditions to the Americas would prove a turning point; these resulted in the discovery of the New World, which marked the beginning of the colonization of these abundant lands. The famous explorers Henry the Navigator, Christopher Columbus, Magellan and others each receive chapters, with lesser-known figures like the Venetian voyager, Cadamosto, also appearing in the narrative. Synge's history is lively, engaging and well-written, tackling its formidable premise with finesse.