Early History

Riding on the immortal words of this classic folksong, take a delightful journey inside the train cars, following the "City of New Orleans" from Chicago to Louisiana, and fully embrace the magnificent imagery of "that magic carpet made of steel".

American sociologist Jack A. Goldstone examines the causes of revolutions and uprisings in the period between 1500 and 1800. Investigating cases in both Europe and Asia, the conclusions he reaches are surprising. Many thinkers had previously believed that Europe's distinctive history - and particularly the rise of capitalism - had created the specific revolutions and political changes that launched the continent on a path to global supremacy. Goldstone says this is wrong, and that European and Asian states were, in fact, all experiencing similar developments.

When Nancy has to put together a family tree for school, she can't help but embellish hers - just a little at first. But soon enough, she goes a step too far, and Nancy has to deal with the consequences!