Two-volume set explores trade as defining factor in world history

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 21, 2006 – Thomson Gale, part of the Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), announces the release of History of World Trade Since 1450 . With more than 400 articles, this two-volume set is essential for those interested in the great industrial and commercial expansion of the 19th and 20th centuries, world history surveys, American history and economics, historical and commercial concepts.

History of World Trade Since 1450 starts at a year regarded as the beginning of the Age of Exploration and examines how the hunt for new resources and markets during that period resulted in the establishment of colonies in Africa, the Americas and Asia. The set looks at the Industrial Revolution, the rise of capitalism and the effects of imperialism on the global economy. Significant countries, cities, and ports are highlighted, as well as the role of selected individuals and families that shaped history through business.

The articles in History of World Trade Since 1450 focus on commodities like petroleum, gold, sugar and tobacco provide a view of both the past and the present by demonstrating how commerce altered regional economies and cultures. The work also offers definitions and examples of economic concepts such as monopoly, joint-stock company and capital flows, within a historical context; rich illustrations; suggestions for additional reading; a glossary of terms; and primary source documents.

Eminent authorities, in some cases with first-hand experience and inside knowledge, explain the subject matter in clear, well-defined essays. Despite containing depth valuable to a range of researchers, History of World Trade Since 1450 was designed with the non-specialist in mind.

Students and academic and public library users will appreciate:

• Approximately 200 illustrations, maps, charts and photographs
• Glossary of terms and sidebars
• Cumulative index and cross references
• Definitions and embedded examples of economic concepts
• Primary sources highlighted within the book and included in the appendix
• Topic specific and general bibliographies

For more information on the print or eBook versions of History of World Trade Since 1450, contact Vanessa Birch at vanessa.birch@cengage.com.

About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Gale

The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2005 revenues of $8.70 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate e-learning and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 40,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. The Corporation’s common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). Thomson Gale(TM) ( http://www.gale.com/) serves the world’s information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs – from homework help to health questions to business profiles – in a variety of formats – books and eBooks, databases and microfilm.