A Child's History of the World

First published in 1924, ‘A Child's History of the World’ is a classic by V.M. Hillyer, a British children’s author and the Late Head Master of the Calvert School of Baltimore. One of the most pleasing history books for children, this well-loved Hillyer masterpiece features stories of world history from prehistoric man through the 20th century, encouraging an appreciation of how events relate to one another.
Written shortly after World War I, this history storybook combines charm with facts to stimulate young minds and leave them yearning for more information. This volume contains 79 stories that start at the beginning of time and reach the present.

Virgil Mores Hillyer (1875–1931), known as V.M. Hillyer, was an American educator, historian, and author best known for his innovative approach to teaching history and literature to children. Born in South Dakota, Hillyer developed a deep interest in classical education and graduated from Harvard University. His passion for education led him to become the first headmaster of the Calvert School in Baltimore, Maryland, a pioneer in home-based and correspondence education.
In his early and middle career, Hillyer sought to make learning engaging and accessible for young readers. His most renowned work, A Child’s History of the World (1924), presents world history in a storytelling format designed for children. The book became a foundational text in many homeschooling and classical education curricula. Its clarity, narrative style, and global perspective distinguished it from traditional textbooks of the time.
He later authored A Child’s Geography of the World and A Child’s History of Art, continuing his mission to educate children through vivid, conversational writing. These books emphasized not just facts but curiosity, context, and imagination.
V.M. Hillyer died in 1931, but his works remain in print and widely used. His legacy lies in transforming complex subjects into inspiring stories for young minds.