a valuable resource for both general readers and students. The opening of the volume presents a detailed preface, wherein the author highlights the need for an extended exploration of recent history due to the remarkable changes occurring during this period. Larned outlines the extensive subjects within the volume, highlighting themes such as labor organization, governmental regulation of monopolies, international conflicts, social reform movements, and educational advancements. He emphasizes that the text aims to provide a clear understanding of the profound and rapid changes across various societies worldwide, indicating that the content will traverse critical issues and events that have lasting relevance. This sets the stage for a rich examination of contemporary history through the lens of its key actors and influential movements. (This is an automatically generated summary.)