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Story of the World
by Well-Trained Mind Press · Est. 1999
About
What it is
Story of the World is a four-volume narrative history series by Susan Wise Bauer that tells world history chronologically from ancient civilizations through the modern era. It is the most widely used history spine in classical and literature-based homeschooling, designed to make history come alive through storytelling rather than textbook fact-listing.
The four volumes cover: Ancient Times (Vol. 1), The Middle Ages (Vol. 2), Early Modern Times (Vol. 3), and The Modern Age (Vol. 4). Each volume is written in a conversational, read-aloud style that works for elementary students (grades 1-4 as a first pass), with enough substance to remain engaging for older students in a second cycle through grades 5-8.
Companion Activity Books ($40.95 each) provide maps, coloring pages, narration exercises, craft projects, and review questions for each chapter. Test Books offer formal assessments. Audio versions (CD or download, approximately $47.95 per volume) are popular with families who enjoy audiobooks during car rides or quiet time.
The narrative text volumes are affordably priced at $19.95 in paperback, with a 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition of Volume 1 releasing in hardcover at $29.95. A four-volume paperback set retails around $83.80, with deeper discounts available through Christianbook and other retailers.
Story of the World is designed as a history spine, not a complete curriculum. Families typically pair it with a language arts program, science curriculum, and math. The classical approach uses the four-year cycle twice — once in elementary (focusing on narration and hands-on activities) and once in middle school (adding more critical analysis and source reading).
The series takes a broad, balanced approach to world history. It is not specifically Christian or secular — it discusses religion as a historical force without promoting a particular worldview, though some families on both ends of the spectrum have specific critiques.
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Common questions
Frequently asked
What ages is Story of the World for?
The series is designed for elementary students (grades 1-4) as a first cycle, with a second, deeper cycle through grades 5-8. The read-aloud narrative style works well for mixed-age families.
Is Story of the World a complete curriculum?
No. Story of the World is a history spine only. Families need separate curricula for math, science, language arts, and other subjects.
Is Story of the World secular or religious?
It takes a balanced, neutral approach. Religion is discussed as a historical force without promoting a particular worldview. Some Christian families find it too secular; some secular families find it too accommodating of religion. Most families on either side use it comfortably.
Do I need the Activity Books?
The Activity Books are optional but highly recommended. They provide maps, projects, review questions, and coloring pages that reinforce each chapter. Many families consider them essential for younger students.
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