A Short History of the World in 50 Animals provides a new perspective on the grand sweep of our planet's making, taking readers from the time of the dinosaurs to the time of Dolly, the world's most famous sheep, who was the first cloned mammal.

This book will include a great variety of beasts from across the animal kingdom, some well known and others far more surprising, from every continent in the world.

Each entry will show the creature's influence on world development, economy, health, culture, religion and society. The size of the animals range from hulking elephants to tiny bees but each one has made a significant impact on history.

The book will include charming black and white illustrations and fact boxes that will pick out specific examples of extraordinary animals.

A Short History of the World in 50 Animals details the impact, legacy and role of fifty animals that determined the world's history, and shows how many of them are essential for our future survival.