Great Ages of Man, Time Life Books

Who built the Giza Pyramids, and why? It’s an age-old question. Many have puzzled and theorised over the problem. The Egyptians make the claim to fame, but their own history clouds that assumption. The Jews claim an Exodus from that land, but their sacred books never once mention the pyramids by name, and Egypt has no record of the Jews.

A Buddhist monk searches for mystical texts. French lords and ladies tell stories to pass the time. African warriors fight against European conquerors. These and other fascinating stories stem from some of the world's greatest literary masterpieces. Yet as different as they are, each reflects a common impulse: our need to tell stories. Whether around the campfire, between the covers of a great book, or in the theater, this urge to express life's meaning is a human constant.