Back in my youth, the family wanted us kids to be well educated. Part of this was accomplished by getting a couple of those sets of books covering certain topics for the average intelligent reader. Yes, we did have an encyclopedia (Collier’s) as well as a general “encyclopedia” for children (The Book of Knowledge (1952 edition)). The one I most vividly remembered was a six volume set from Newsweek called Milestones of History.

Published in 1970, the set contained a neat one hundred essays in total – from “The Gift of the Nile” (the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt) to “Man on the Moon (duh) written by prominent historians of the time. Lavishly illustrated, the milestones covered not just military and political matters, but scientific and cultural milestones as well. Connecting essays between the main chapters filled in the time between the “milestones”. A diligent selection and editing process allowed for the occasional combination of milestones. For example, to discuss the Protestant Reformation, they didn’t just write about Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses – they instead chose his publication of a German New Testament, which allowed them to include the development and spread of printing as well.

The set went the way of many things of my youth – lost somewhere along the way. That I still remember many of the essays, though, indicates the effect it had on me. Occasionally, I’d look for references to it online. But the most I’d ever get was mentions at used book dealers (who did not have it available), or someone selling an individual volume. Even libraries would only have one or two volumes on their shelves. The waters were muddied because there was an expanded version published a few years later, that doubled the number of milestones (and volumes).

Happily, I recently found someone selling the complete original set. I grabbed it as soon as I could.

Does it hold up? Is it as good as I remember?

Well, let’s take a look at the one hundred essays and see what they consider “milestones”.

So I’m going to post the complete list of Milestones (one volume per blog post), with their authors and the brief descriptions from the contents in each volume. Don’t argue with me over what’s included; go back in time and argue with the editors. Or make your own list in the same style – I’d be interested in seeing what you come up with.