The second part of this history of government is a true work for the ages, just like the first. The author continues his broad panorama, this time from Byzantium and the islamic Caliphate, to China and finally to Europe until the 15th century or so. It must have taken a lifetime of study to prepare this work. I can unhesitatingly recommend it to all readers interested in government or comparative history. Having said that, I do think some sections on European government got bogged down in too much detail. I lost sight of the overall picture when the author started discussing how various kings of England and France chose to govern their realms. I also would have preferred bolder comparisons between different polities, but I suppose a good historian would rather avoid excessive generalization.