World History Timeline

January 29, 2004 9:41 AM

Reference nuts, here's a great product for you. Good stuff for the wall of your study.
posted by tetsuo (8 comments total)

As much as the idea of having all of the world's history on one surface for handy reference appeals to me, that is one of the worst-designed things I have ever seen. I especially love that you need a chart to understand the chart!
posted by notclosed at 9:47 AM on January 29, 2004

2 words: (1) Chick. (2) Magnet.
posted by Peter H at 9:51 AM on January 29, 2004

It looks like a piece of bad decorative art; I can imagine it hanging in a dentist's office and having the misfortune of sitting below it, while others crane over to see the details ( see NYC Subway Map Effect .)
posted by RubberHen at 9:55 AM on January 29, 2004

In other news, Edward Tufte has just died, solely so he can spin in his grave.
posted by mkultra at 10:31 AM on January 29, 2004

Fascinating. Making a poster like this is almost impossible. No matter what faults you may find with it, like the 20th century being underrepresented or the layout being confusing, you have to admire the guy for trying. And for actually finishing the project. Kind of like the author who wrote a novel without using the letter E.
posted by Triplanetary at 10:43 AM on January 29, 2004

Or this one

Is it the same one?
posted by milovoo at 11:45 AM on January 29, 2004

My parents bought me a huge laminated timeline of world history (which is different from all linked to so far) when I was a kid. I think I still have it. There was lots of weird Mormon mythology mixed in with the history. It was as if, instead of trying to distinguish between folklore and ancient history (which is sometimes dicey), the author/artist threw in everything. It was bizarre, but still cool. The guy did a good job with proportion.

Barnes and Noble also used to sell one in their bargain section that was also different from the one that I had.
posted by goethean at 12:20 PM on January 29, 2004

I recently googled for a World History Timeline Poster, since I already like having maps on my walls -- conversation piece, and gradual learning. Anyway, I also found this thing, which struck me as badly-designed overkill (as mkultra said).

Can anyone recommend a good one? The one Milovoo linked seems closer to what I have in mind, but it's very hard to tell from the sample.
posted by snarfois at 3:20 PM on January 29, 2004