Reference book

[Big Bas]

I am looking for some sort of reference book which details "short history of countries" "towns" "cities" and general information about the continents etc
Is anyone able to assist please?

[HowardKennitby]

Chambers World Factfinder might be worth a look as a starting point. There are other similar books from other publishers.

[Flyhalf]

Keep watching for a few days. I have at least two on my shelf at home, but am away at present.

[Flyhalf]

For quick reference on countries, Whitaker's Almanac can't be beaten.
Places in Britain- heaps of interesting stuff in Brewer'sBritain & Ireland.
Sadly, struggling on international cities, but small entries in Oxford Dictionary of the World (mine publ. 1995, not sure if reprinted) is pretty good, and the "Chronology" sidebar in each country's entry in Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlas might help, but not v. Likely.
Steer away from Pears' Cyclopaedia, entries too limited.
Hope that helps.