Even though the concept of attempting to capture the expansive range of the collection of the British Museum in book format is an absolutely impossible endeavor, I fully enjoyed this short dive back into the historical objects that the institution has collected over the years. They format the book relatively logically based on historically chronological landspaces and the cultures that inhabited them (really the only way to do it without devolving into chaos, in my opinion), mentioning cross-cultural pollination when appropriate, including timelines to place the objects showcased in context, and keeping most subjects broad so that the reader doesn’t get bogged down (and the book doesn’t become 1000 pages, not that I would complain as such). Of course, I wanted much more content in the book, but even visiting some of the collections in the Museum itself can be overwhelming in volume - I’m looking at you, Greek pottery room - so I’m glad that they stuck to some of the more expected and easily portrayed items to limit the scope. I’ll just have to go back to London and visit the Museum again if I want more! ( )

The British Museum was founded more than 250 years ago, in 1753. Its collections span all areas of the world, from prehistory to the present day. From the beginning the Museum's aim has been to shed light on the histories of cultures, for the benefit of present and future generations worldwide, by preserving, presenting, enhancing and researching the unique collections in its care. Illustrating almost 200 of the most important, beautiful and intriguing objects of the British Museum collections, and with the aid of maps and timelines, this book offers a colourful introduction to the world's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Don't plan to see the whole museum in a day or even a week, but you can take a good chunk of it home with you if you purchase the guide book. The size of the museum can be very daunting but this guide help you maneuver through the labyrinth and not be stuck there for the rest of your life. Maps and pictures help you through the various "sub-museums" and the information printed allows you to pick and choose which sections of the museum you might want to visit on a particular day. It does not do the library justice but that really is a topic all to itself. A great reference wholly recommended. ( )