The British Museum offers a history of the world through some of its celebrated objects.

The museum is publishing a book entitled, A History of the World in 100 Objects, based on a BBC Radio 4 program on the same concept. The radio show constructed its history in a series of short episodes that were presented by Neil MacGregor, who is director of the British Museum.

The New York Times reports on the new book, which is being released in the United States.