Destined to become as indispensable to historians, librarians, teachers, students, and browsers as the acclaimed American-based classic, the International Edition lists thousands of inventions, discoveries, and first happenings from a global perspective. This international edition of Famous First Facts expands coverage of first facts past the borders of the United States, to chronicle important facts from throughout history worldwide. Famous First Facts, International Edition contains more than 5000 firsts from hundreds of countries and ranging in time from 3.5 billion years ago (the age of the oldest continental land discovered) to 2001 (the scheduled date of completion of the first building over 1500 feet tall).