The Cartoon History of the Modern World is part of a graphic history series that  ends with From the Bastille to Baghdad.  As the title suggests, it starts just before the French Revolution and ends with the War in Iraq.   It is both hilarious and sobering, and gives insight into how we got where we are today.

Far from being a dry textbook list of dates, The Cartoon History is a witty look at historical events around the world.  Gonick is good at giving an overview while still discussing how events are interrelated.  It’s a fun fast read with quirky drawings and informative text.  If you like graphic novels or history, you’re going to love it.

The image on the right is borrowed from Larry Gonick's website, and appears as page 24 in The Cartoon History of the Modern World Part II.