Relics: A History of the World Told in 133 Objects

by Jamie Grove, Mini Museum, Max Grove

Four billion years in the palm of your hand, Relics: A History of the World Told in 133 Objects is the story of our planet as you’ve never seen it before.

The Mini Museum is a collection of treasures gathered from across space and time shared by tens of thousands of people in more than 120 countries. Each item in the collection is a story connected to a childhood dream of sharing all the wonders the universe has to offer while bringing all of us closer together.

In this book, the Mini Museum team shares the stories of real objects that have shaped our very existence across billions of years of history. Beginning with the birth of our solar system and the very building blocks of life, you’ll explore our dynamic planet, from the constant shifting of continents to dramatic and violent upheavals, which have changed the course of all life again and again. You'll visit mighty civilizations with cultures spanning millennia, as well as modern symbols of creativity and innovation, and the march of humanity as we reach toward the stars.

Every item is photographed and presented in detail. There are also wild tales of adventure as the crew travels the world and prepares one of the most complex collections ever assembled.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to give this to my dad, a history buff for Christmas. It's an original book with pictures that I think he will love paging through! I love the clear organization and user-friendly table of contents that makes it easy to check in on vs. reading cover to cover. Thanks for sending an ARC my way in exchange for an honest review, WeldonOwen!

[Bilal Aslam · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Eurocentric* history of the world

[Sylvia Snowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this a rather low rating, primarily because the physical book was likely intended, or designed, to be at least twice the size as it was published. The "objects" are tiny photographs. It's difficult to tell a flower petal from a railroad spike, or a fossil from a piece of pottery. The illustrations are so small, one would need a magnifying glass to read them. This is too bad, since it is a beautiful book, full of color and high quality paper, ink, and great typefaces. A very wide range of topics. Maybe good for kids with incredibly good eyesight. If you are over forty, forget it.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hodge podge of historical vignettes, a fun and light read.

[Neysa Zurkammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting! The first section held many surprises. The last section had many things that have happened in my lifetime!